UNIVERSITY    OF    ILLINOIS 
LIBRARY 


Class  Book  Volume 


Si  3,1V 


LLLINOI8  HISTORICAL  SURVEY 

Je  05-10M 


OUR  REGIMENT. 


A     HISTORY 


OF  THE 


102dlLLiNois  INFANTRY  VOLUNTEERS 

WITH 

SKETCHES  Or  THE  ATLANTA  CAMPAIGN, 
THE  GEORGIA  KAID,  AND  THE 

CAMPAIGN  Of  THE  CAKOLINAS. 


IS.    F. 


BREWSTER  &  HANSCOM,  PRINTERS, 
184  DEARBORN   STREET,   CHICAGO,   ILLINOIS. 

1S65. 


Entered,  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1865,  by 

S.    F.    FLEHARTY, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States, 
for  the  Northern  District  of  Illinois. 


>FFIC£RS 


OF   THE 


ILLINOIS  ^NPANTKY 


To  you,  one  and  all,  as  a  testimonial  of  endu- 
ring regard  for  the  Gen&rous  and  the  Brave,  this 
volume  is  respectfully  dedicated. 


r 


PREFACE. 

In  presenting  this  book  to  the  public,  it  is  not  claimed 
that  "Our  Regiment"  was  in  any  special  way  distin- 
guished above  more  than  a  hundred  organizations  of  the 
kind,  sent  into  the  field  by  our  noble  State. 

The  field  of  active  service  was  one  of  common  suffer- 
ing and  common  danger,  and  all  the  regiments  that  par- 
ticipated in  the  work  of  suppressing  the  rebellion,  will 
be  honored  according  to  .their  deeds,  by  the  people 
whom  they  served. 

In  preparing  the  manuscript  I  have  had  frequent  occa- 
sions to.  refer  to  the  diaries  of  Capt.  J.  Y.  Merritt,  Lt. 
Byron  Jordan  and  Sergt.  T.  M.  Bell.  Their  kindness  in 
permitting  me  to  use  them  is  gratefully  acknowledged. 

Numerous  extracts  have  been  made  from  productions 
of  my  own  pen ;  published  in  the  form  of  newspaper  cor- 
respondence, at  intervals  while  in  the  service. 

For  many  expressions  of  good  will,  and  for  material 
aid  in  the  enterprise  of  publishing  the  "  History,"  the 
officers  and  soldiers  of  the  regiment  have  my  sincere 

thanks. 

S.  F.  F. 
GALESBDRO,  ILL.,  Aug.  llth,  18fi5. 


OUR    REGIMENT. 

A  HISTORY  OF  THE  102n  ILLINOIS  INFANTRY  VOLUNTEERS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

The  "war  feeling"  in  1862.  Call  for  600,000  Volun- 
teers. The  Response.  Organization  of  the  102d  III. 
Regiment.  The  Camp  at  Knoxmlle — Peoria — and  the 
ride  to  Jeffersonville. 

During  the  summer  of  1862 — the  second  year  of  the 
war  for  the  suppression  of  the  rebellion — in  response  to 
the  call  for  "  six  hundred  thousand  more,"  the  question 
came  home  to  the  hearts  of  loyal  men  everywhere,  "  is 
it  my  duty  to  go  ?"  and  the  conviction  became  universal 
that  the  Government  would  need  the  services  of  all.  To 
hesitate  then,  was  to  connive  at  treason.  The  loyal 
people  answered,  "  we  will  go,"  and  catching  the  popu- 
lar refrain  : 

"We  are  coming,  Father  Abraham,  six'hundred  thousand  more, 
From  Mississippi's  winding  stream,  and  from  New  England's  shore. 

****** 
If  you  look  across  the  hilltops  that  meet  the  Northern  sky. 
Long  moving  lines  of  rising  dust  your  vision  may  descry," 

— they  marched  to  fields  of  glory  and  of  death. 

In  response  to  this  call  the  102d  111.  Reg't  was  organ- 
ized. Political  issues  had  been  dropped.  The  language 
of  the  lamented  Douglas  was  apparently  verified — there 
were  u  only  patriots  "  on  the  one  hand,  "  and  traitors  " 
on  the  other.  The  "  War  Democracy  "  was  developed, 
and  our  first  commander,  Col.  Wm.  McMurtry,  was  uni- 
versally considered  a  proper  man  to  organize  and  direct 
this  element.  He  had  been  known  as  the  "  Old  War- 
Horse  "  of  the  Democracy ;  and  when  he  announced  his 
intention  to  raise  a  regiment,  his  fellow-citizens — Demo- 
crats and  Republicans — quickly  rallied  to  his  standard. 


HISTORY     OF    TFTK     |0'Jl>     II. I..     INFANTflY     VO1.S. 

The  companies  of  the  10'Jd  were  raised  in  the  counties 
of  Knox,  Mercer,  AVarren  and  Rock  Island,  during  the 
month  of  August,  1862,  and  were  brought  together  at 
Knoxville,  111.,  during  the  last  week  of  the  same  month. 
Companies  A,  F,  D,  I,  H  and  B  were  made  up  almost 
exclusively  in  Knox  County.  Companies  C,  E,  K,  and 
G  were  organized  in  Mercer.  In  the  companies  of  Knox 
County,  there  were  a  few  men  from  Warren,  and  in 
those  from  Mercer,  there  were  a  number  from  Rock 
Island  County. 

The  Regiment  was  composed  of  men  who  had  associ- 
ated together  as  friends  and  neighbors,  and  had  labored 
together  in  the  workshop  and  the  field,  during  the  quiet 
years  of  peace.  Almost  every  branch  of  industry,  and 
most  of  the  leading  paofessions  were  represented,  the 
farmer,  the  mechanic,  the  tradesman,  the  teacher,  the 
lawyer  and  the  minister  fell  into  ranks,  shoulder  to 
shoulder. 

The  transition  from  the  pursuits  of  peace — from  the 
quiet  home  life  to  the  noisy  camp  of  recruits  was  a 
severe  trial  to  many  of  the  amateur  warriors.  From 
beds  of  down,  to  beds  of  straw !  From  mahogany 
tables  to  tables  of  rude  boards !  From  the  light  and 
excellent  bread  that  "  mother  made,"  to  the  army  substi- 
tute— "  hard-tack.  O,  yes !  those  were  days  of  trial  to 
the  raw  recruit. 

Days  of  labor,  too — for  the  embryo  officers  prosecuted 
the  work  of  drilling  and  instructing  the  men  with  the 
energy  of  those  who  believed  the  perpetuity  of  the  Gov- 
ernment depended  upon  their  individual  exertions.  And 
with  what  supreme  awe  we  looked  upon  a  veteran  officer 
— and  there  were  several  of  this  class  in  camp ;  per- 
chance the  heroes  of  one  battle,  and  a  three  month's 
term  of  service.  Their  word  was  law.  Who  then 
would  have  dared  to  question  their  decision  of  any  moot- 
ed point  in  tactics  ? 

And  those  were  days  of  turmoil.  All  were  patriotic, 
of  course;  but  the  patriotism  of  ninny  was  of  such  a 
character  that  it  led  them  to  believe  they  could  best 
nerve  their  country  in  some  exalted  position.  Hence 
there  was  much  wire-pulling,  and  many  who  had  expect- 


DAYS    OF    TURMOIL    AND    WIRE-PULLIXG.  9 

ed  to  wear  what  the  boys  called  "  pumpkin  rinds,"  were 
compelled  to  march  by  'the  side  of  those  who  were  lured 
into  the  service  by  pure  patriotism,  and  thirteen  dollars 
a  month,  with  allowances. 

The  wonder  with  us  was,  that  amid  so  much  conten- 
tion, so  many  good  and  faithful  men  received  commis- 
sions. There  were  some  who  afterwards  proved  failures. 
I  need  not  mention  their  names  here.  They  are  fixed 
in  the  minds  of  the  men  of  the  regiment,  indelibly. 

I  will  not,  by  any  personal  allusions,  resurrect  the  bit- 
ter feelings  of  jealousy  that  existed  for  a  time  at  Knox- 
ville;  doubtless  the  experience  of  the  102d  was  the 
experience  of  all  other  regiments,  in  this  respect. 
Suffice  it  to  say  that  the  extreme  desire  for  official  pre- 
i'vrment  had  a  very  demoralizing  tendency.  Men  of 
little  or  no  capacity  aspired  to  the  highest  positions  in 
the  regiment.  An  incident  illustrating  this  recklessly 
ambitious  spirit  was  subsequently  related  to  me  as  hav- 
ing occurred  when  the  regiment  was  at  Knoxville.  One 
of  the  newly  promoted  captains  was  but  half  satisfied 
with  his  responsible  position,  and  learning  that  the  Adju- 
tancy was  vacant,  a  bright  idea  struck  him.  Forthwith 

he  went  to  wire-pulling,  and  approaching  Lieut. • 

explained  to  him  that  he  desired  to  be  promoted  to  Adju- 
tant of  the  regiment,  and  asked  his  support ! 

The  regiment  was  mustered  into  the  service  on  the 
2d  of  Sept.,  1862 — 921  strong.  So  at  least  says  the 
morning  report  of  that  date. 

The  field  and  staff  officers  were:  Colonel,  Wm. 
McMurtry;  Lieut.  Col.,  F.  C.  Smith,  Major;  J.  M.  Man- 
non;  Asst.  Surg.,  Win.  Hamilton;  Adjt.,  J.  W.  Pitman; 
Chaplain,  M.  K.  Tullis ;  Quartermaster,  F.  H.  Rugar. 

The  companies  were  commanded  as  follows:  Co.  A, 
Capt.  R.  R.  Harding;  Co.  B,  Capt.  E.  C.  Atchison; 
Co.  C,  Capt.  F,  Shedd;  Co.  D,  Capt.  H.  H.  Wilsie ; 
<•<>.  E,  Capt.  Thomas  Likely.  Co.  F,  Capt.  C.  H. 
-hic-kson;  Co.  (4,  Capt.  J.  P.  Wykoff;  Co.  H,  Capt. 
L.  1).  Shinn;  Co.  T,  Capt,  Geo.  H. 'King;  Co.  K,  Capt. 
S.  H. 


i<>  IIISTOKV    <>F    Till-:     102D    ILL.    INFAN'TKY     VOLS. 

The  soldiers  were  soon  all  clothed  in  the  army  blue, 
and  were  fast  becoming  initiated  into  the  mysteries  of 
their  profession.  With  surprising  dignity  they  paced 
to  and  fro  when  on  duty  with  the  old  mud-iilled,* broken- 
locked  muskets  in  their  hands !  All  were  anxious  to 
leave  Knoxville ;  willing  to  go  anywhere  ;  willing  to  do 
anything  rather  than  remain  imprisoned  there.  At 
length  the  order  came,  and  on  the  22d  of  Sept.,  a  bright 
and  beautiful  day,  the  right  wing  was  marched  on  board 
a  train  of  cars,  and  there  receiving  the  loving  adieus  of 
dear  friends, 

"  With  hearts  too  full  for  utterance— with  but  a  silent  tear," 

they  glided  away  from  their  homes  and  hearthstones — 
away  to  a  new  encampment  at  Peoria.  The  left  wing 
was  transferred  to  the  new  rendezvous,  on  the  following 
day. 

The  camp  was  about  two  hundred  yards  from  Peoria 
Lake,  and  was  beatifully  located.  The  scene  from  the 
bluff  in  the  rear  of  the  encampment  was  very  line.  In 
the  foreground  were  the  regimental  barracks — long, 
sharp-roofed  board  quarters,  and  near  these,  groups  of 
cloth  tents ;  beyond  was  the  placid  lake  and  away  in  the 
back  ground,  a  dense  body  of  timber  crowning  the  op- 
posite bluffs. 

Our  stay  at  Peoria  was  brief,  but  while  there  the  regi- 
ment was  drilled  every  day,  and  we  participated  once  in 
a  brigade  drill  under  Col.  Bryner. 

Few  would  have  regreted  a  longer  stay  at  Peoria. 
We  had  but  learned  the  first  rudiments  of  drill  and  disci- 
pline, when  the  order  came  to  be  ready  by  the  29th  of 
the  month  to  go  to  Louisville,  Ky. 

Government  needed  men  in  the  field.  Bragg  was 
overrunning  Kentucky  and  pressing  Buell  back  to  Louis- 
ville. Our  Colonel  had  reported  the  regiment  ready  tor 
the  field,  and  declared  his  anxiety  to  lead  us  at  once  "  to 
glory  or  to  death  !" 

Consequently  on  the  :i()th  of  October  \ve  man-heel  to 
the  depot  of  the  Peori*,  Burlington  and  Loiransport  It. 


THE    RIDE    TO    JEFFERSONVILLE.  11 

R.,  and  there  in  the  midst  of  a  drizzling  rain,  which 
soon  increased  to  a  steady  "  pour,"  awaited  the  depart- 
ure of  the  train.  A  "  speck  of  war,"  however,  delayed 
our  departure.  There  were  not  passenger  coaches 
enough  for  all.  As  the  only  alternative,  freight  cars 
were  substituted.  "  What !"  said  the  unlucky  men  who 
failed  to  obtain  cushioned-seats — "  make  us  ride  in  cattle 
cars  ! — we  can't  see  it!" — and  why  should  they?  They 
did  not  enlist  to  be  treated  like  animals;  huddled 
together  like  so  many  cattle  on  their  way  to  the  slaugh- 
ter-pen !  The  comparison  suggested  was  not  pleasant ! 
Here  let  me  anticipate  somewhat  by  stating  that  long 
months  after  that  time,  away  down  beneath  the  burning 
sun  of  Georgia,  I  heard  the  men  of  the  102d  make  the 
soldiers'  comment  upon  this  little  episode.  Hungry, 
weary,  footsore,  one  would  say,  "  Partner  would  you  like 
to  ride  in  a  cattle  car  ?"  "  Yes,  indeed  I  would,  still  I 
am  able  to  hoof  it  /"  and  in  perfect  good  humor,  with 
spirits  that  nothing  could  dampen,  they  would  trudge 
wearily  on. 

The  difficulty  at  Peoria  was  settled  by  a  promise  from 
the  conductor  that  the  unlucky  ones  should  all  be  trans- 
ferred to  express  cars  at  some  point  not  far  distant  on 
the  road. 

And  then  we  had  a  glorious  ride  over  the  broad  prai- 
ries east  of  the  Illinois  river.  The  eye  grew  weary  scan- 
ning the  wide  expanse.  The  broad,  billowy,  green 
prairie  sea.  As  mile  after  mile  our  train  sped  along,  the 
sun  sinking  low  in  the  west,  lighted  up  the  horizon  with 
a  golden  lustre — not  unlike  what  we  had  often  dreamed 
of  the  magnificent  sunsets  at  sea.  What  a  moment  for 
reflection  !  How  like  heaven,  or  the  gateway  to  heaven, 
seemed  the  glowing,  gorgeous  West,  and  beneath  that 
golden,  purple  and  orange  hued  sky  were  our  homes. 
Then  the  soldier  breathed  a  long  farewell  to  his  "  prai- 
rie-land "  and  turned  to  welcome  the  dark  and  stormy 
future.  As  the  shadows  of  night  closed  around,  occa- 
sional lights  from  quiet  cottage  homes  caused  his  mind 
to  revert  to  his  own  loved  circle,  now  far  awav. 


12  HISTOKY     «•}-    TIIK     ]0'Jl>    II. J..     INFANTRY    VOLS. 

Late  in  the  evening  we  crossed  the  State  line,  and  early 
next  morning  reached  Logansport,  Ind.  Thence 
through  immense  forests,  anon  Hitting  by  little  log  huts 
and  small  "  clearings," — on  through  a  number  of  beautiful 
villages  including  Lafayette  and  Delphi,  the  train  dashed 
away  to  Indianapolis.  "We  witnessed  there  some  indi- 
cations of  war — rifled  cannon,  piles  of  ammunition,  and 
a  large  number  of  paroled  Federal  prisoners,  fresh  from 
the  lost  battle-field  of  Mumfordsville. 

On  the  morning  of  October  2d,  the  regiment  reached 
Jeffersonville,  opposite  Louisville,  Ky.  Shortly  after 
our  arrival  the  camp  was  filled  with  rumors  of  fighting 
across  the  river.  That  night  we  received  our  guns — 
French  muskets — and  "  slept  upon  our  arms." 


ON   THE    MARCH.  .         13 

CHAPTER  II. 

Crossing  the  Ohio.  Louisville.  The  first  march.  Great 
privations.  Arrival  at  Frankfort.  Dissatisfaction 
in  the  Regiment.  Lieut.  Col.  Smith  assumes  com- 
mand. Chase  after  John  Morgan. 

At  one  o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  October  3d,  the 
*'  long  roll "  sounded,  three  day's  rations  were  issued, 
and  at  daybreak  we  marched  across  the  Ohio  river,  on  a 
pontoon  bridge,  made  of  flat-boats;  passed  through  Louis- 
ville, and  halted  for  a  time  in  the  suburbs  of  the  city, 
near  Cave  Hill  Cemetery. 

At  Louisville  the  regiment  was  brigaded  with  the  79th 
Ohio  and  105th  Illinois  regiments,  under  the  command 
of  Brig.  Gen.  W.  T.  Ward.  Subsequently  the  70th 
Ind.  and  129th  111.  regiments  were  attached  to  the 
brigade,  and  thenceforward  until  the  close  of  the  war 
the  brigade  retained  the  same  organization.  Never 
were  regiments  more  harmoniously  associated. 

Louisville  was  then  a  gloomy  city.  For  many  days 
the  citizens  had  been  expecting  the  arrival  of  the  rebel 
army.  Business  was  at  a  stand-still.  Soldiers  were 
pouring  in  from  the  North,  monopolizing  all  the  routes  of 
travel.  All  was  bustle  and  busy  preparation,  but  the 
note  of  preparation  was  for  war. 

The  regiment  remained  at  Louisville  but  a  few  hours. 
Late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  3d,  the  memorable  "  Frank- 
fort march  "  commenced. 

The  "  first  march,"  is  a  time  of  trial  with  all  new 
troops.  Our  first  was  one  of  peculiar  trials.  The  day 
was  excessively  warm;  so  warm,  indeed,  that  as  we 
waited  orders,  every  available  shade  was  sought  by  the 
panting  soldiers.  When  the  order  came  to  fall  in,  it 
would  have  amused  a  veteran  to  witness  the  men  take 
their  places  with  their  huge  burdens  upon  their  backs. 
Almost  every  man  carried  a  well-filled  knapsack.  Each 
one  had  been  supplied  with  forty  rounds  of  ammunition 
and  three  days  rations.  Add  to  this  a  heavy  musket, 
and  you  have  a  load  that  might  well  strike  terror  to  the 
heart  of  a  raw  recruit.  2 


14        -  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    YOLS. 

For  a  time  the  men  kept  their  ]>lnees  very  well,  but  at 
lei;<j;th  they  commence. 1  dropping  <»ut,  one  by  one,  then 
in  squads  until  finally  the  roadside  was  lined  with  ex- 
hausted soldiers.  Water  was  extreme! y  scared.  Relent- 
lessly our  commanders  kept  on  their  way.  AVhy,  no  one 
could  tell ;  no  one  could  detect  the  wisdom  of  a  move- 
ment which  if  continued  would  precipitate  a  disordered 
column  of  worn  out  and  exhausted  men  upon  the  enemy. 
Far  into  the  night  the  mal'ch  was  continued.  At  mid- 
night probably  three-fourths  of  the  regiment  had  turned 
in  by  the  wayside,  to  rest  at  will  until  morning.  A  few 
continued  on,  scarcely  enough  to  keep  up  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  regiment.  Scattered  like  flocks  of  quails, 
they  would  call  to  each  other  in  the  darkness,  thus ; 
"Here's  the  102d."  "Co.  D,"  "Co.  B."  "Right  this 
way  to  Co.  K."  The  head  of  the  column  camped  at 
length  fifteen  miles  from  Louisville.  By  ten  o'clock 
the  next  day,  a  majority  of  the  men  came  up,  and  at 
eleven  o'clock  the  march  was  resumed.  The  regiment 
reached  the  vicinity  of  Shelbyville  at  a  late  hour  that 
night,  Oct.  4th.  The  camp  at  Shelbyville  was  in  every 
respect  uncomfortable ;  water  was  scarce ;  rations  were 
not  to  be  had ;  we  had  no  tents ;  were  exposed  to  the 
rays  of  a  very  warm  October  sun,  and  obliged  to  make 
our  beds  on  the  plowed  surface  of  a  yellow,  Kentucky 
hill. 

Monday  evening,  October  6th,  the  forward  trot  was 
resumed.  We  were  ordered  to  proceed  two  miles  east 
of  Shelbyville  and  encamp  for  the  night, — and  went 
almost  "on  the  double  quick."  There  \\cre  many  pretty 
and  patriotic  young  ladies  in  the  beautiful  village  of 
Shelbyville,  but  we  could  not  halt  to  talk  with  the  fair 
creatures.  There  is  in  our  minds  at  this  time  a  dim  rec- 
ollection of  a  panoramic  scene  like  this :  A  lovely  col- 
lection of  houses,  crowded  awnings ;  waving  ilags ; 
wavy  tresses,  blue  eyes,  pearly  teeth  and  rosy  cheeks, 
and  that  was  all  they  would  let  us  see  of  Shelbyville. 

Wednesday  morning,  the  8th,  we  continued  on  to- 
wards Frankfort.  Soon  there  were  rumors  of  fighting  in 
advance,  and  presently  an  order  came  to  give  way  to 
the  right  and  left,  and  permit  a  body  of  cavalry  to  pass. 


ARRIVAL    AT    FRANKFORT,    KY.  15 

There  was  a  dense  cloud  of  dust  in  the  rear  which 
increased  and  enveloped  everything  as  the  horsemen 
passed  by.  Late  in  the  evening  we  entered  a  narrow 
defile  where  the  dust  in  the  road  was  deep,  and  light  as 
flour.  At  that  moment  a  battery  was  ordered  up  from 
the  rear,  and  it  came  thundering  by — the  horses  in  a 
sweeping*  trot,  raising  a  cloud  of  dust  that  filled  the 
atmosphere  from  hill-top  to  hill- top  and  veiled  the  face 
of  the  rising  moon.  The  terrible  machinery  of  war 
seemed  about  to  be  let  loose.  At  length  the  column 
filed  off  into  a  plowed  field ;  we  slept  a  couple  of  hours, 
were  aroused  by  the  unwelcome  notes  of  the  bugle 
sounding  "forward,"  and  were  quickly  on  the  road 
again.  Continuing  down  the  narrow  pass  we  debouched 
at  length  near  the  city  of  Frankfort.  There  had  been 
a  short  skirmish  at  the  bridge  across  the  Kentucky  river, 
but  when  we  came  up  it  was  all  over.  The  rebels  had 
attempted  to  burn  the  bridge,  but  our  cavalry  was  too 
quick  for  them. 

As  we  marched  over  the  bridge -and  into  the  city,  the 
moon  shone  brightly  and  all  things  were  hushed  in  deep 
repose.  There  was  little,  save  the  marching  columns,  to 
indicate  the  existence  of  war.  The  faithful  cavalry  boys 
were  resting  at  the  roadside  near  the  bridge.  Some 
sleeping  on  their  horses — some  on  the  ground.  We 
filed  through  the  quiet  streets,  then  up,  up,  up  a  hill  that 
seemed  as  if  it  would  reach  the  sky — found  a  compara- 
tively level  surface,  formed  in  line  of  battle,  stacked 
arms  and  slept,  the  sweet  sleep  that  is  seldom  enjoyed 
save  by  weary  soldiers. 

At  daylight  the  right  wing  of  the  regiment  was  or- 
dered to  a  new  position  in  support  of  a  masked  battery. 
It  will  be  recollected  that  here,  on  the  slope  of  a  hill 
that  made  an  angle  of  at  least  forty-five  degrees  with  the 
plane  of  the  horizon,  Acting  Adjutant  Ogden  endeavored 
to  have  battallion  drill.  Among  other  lessons  he  at- 
tempted "  firing  by  file  "  and  "  by  platoon."  The  men 
were  quite  awkward,  as  they  had  never  been  taught 
these  things.  Ogden  became  impatient,  declared  we 
ought  to  have  understood  those  exercises,  thought  we 
"  never  would  learn  anything,"  and  marched  us  in  a 


16  HISTORY    OF   THE    102D   ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

short  time  to  camp.  We  changed  camp  twice  while  at 
Frankfort.  During  the  last  week  of  our  stay  there  the 
regiment  was  encamps!  t\\<>  miles  rust  of  the  city.  The 
men  were  there  supplied  with  bell  tents — which  were 
but  a  slight  improvement  upon  the  cedar  houses  they 
had  learned  to  construct.  In  the  bell  tents  we  were 
crowded  so  closely,  that  comfortable  sleeping  was  out 
of  the  question — to  escape  being  "overlaid"  was  as 
much  as  could  be  hoped  for  under  such  circumstances. 

The  practice  of  "  standing  at  arms  "  was  observed,  for 
a  time,  at  Frankfort.  This  ceremony  consisted  in  form- 
ing a  line  of  battle  an  hour  or  two  before  daylight,  and 
remaining  in  line  until  sunrise, — so  at  least  it  was  or- 
dered, but  the  letter  of  the  law  was  not  obeyed  and  the 
troops  were  usually  dismissed  at  dawn  of  day.  The 
design  was  a  good  one — namely,  to  guard  against  sur- 
prise. But  the  men  were  aroused  at  an  earlier  hour 
than  was  necessary  ; — the  mornings  were  very  cold,  and 
coming  out  from  their  warm  beds  they  stood  shivering 
as  with  an  ague.  Many  became  sick  in  consequence  of 
the  exposure,  and  the  obnoxious  practice  was  aban- 
doned. 

The  first  scouting  party  from  the  regiment  went  out 
at  Frankfort.  It  was  commanded  by  Acting  Adjutant 
Ogden,  who  manifested  a  commendable  thirst  for  glory. 
Some  miles  away  from  camp  the  party  captured  a  fine 
large  rebel  flag,  at  the  house  of  an  old  citizen.  This 
then  was  a  grand  achievement.  The  rebel  flag  was 
borne  proudly  into  camp — the  old  citizen  accompanying 
the  squad  as  a  prisoner.  An  officer  who  had  remained 
in  camp  proposed  "  three  cheers  for  our  brave  boys," 
and  the  commanding  officer  of  the  scouts  in  due  time  made 
a  formal  and  dignified  report  of  the  capture.  Glory  was 
comparatively  cheap  then. 

During  our  sojourn  at  Frankfort  the  celebrated  Law- 
renceburg  march  took  place.  While  at  dress  parade  on 
Saturday  evening,  Oct.  18th,  news  reached  us  that  John 
Morgan  had  captured  Lexington.  Shortly  afterwards  a 
body  of  Federal  cavalry,  eight  hundred  strong,  went 
dashing  by  from  the  direction  of  Frankfort ;  next  came 


THE    LAWRENCEBURG    MARCH.  17 

a  battery,  and  finally  a  large  force  of  infantry,  in  wag- 
ons— some  drawn  by  four  mules,  some  by  six — all 
making  the  best  possible  time,  and  making  an  appear- 
ance that  was  well  calculated  to  awaken  a  sense  of  the 
ludicrous. 

We  rolled  ourselves  into  our  blankets  that  night  with 
the  full  expectation  of  hearing  the  "  long  roll  "  ere  morn- 
ing— and  were  not  disappointed.  About  midnight  it 
was  sounded  and  in  an  incredibly  short  time  we  were 
up,  dressed,  equipped  and  on  the  inarch.  Contrary  to 
our  expectations  we  moved  in  the  direction  of  Frank- 
fort. The  movement  was  then  inexplicable  to  us.  We 
learned  afterwards  that  Morgan  having  heard  of  the 
cavalry  and  mule-wagon-mounted-infantry  movement 
against  him,  evacuated  that  city  and  set  out  for  Law- 
renceburg. Our  business  was  to  intercept  Jiim  at  that 
point — distant  sixteen  miles  from  camp.  For  some  rea- 
son unknown  to  us  there  was  an  hour's  halt  in  the  road 
a  short  distance  south  of  Frankfort.  Probably  it  was 
feared  that  Morgan,  would  diverge  from  his  course,  dash 
in  and  capture  Frankfort.  However,  the  march  was 
resumed,  and  as  if  to  make  up  for  lost  time  the  men 
were  kept  almost  on  a  run.  Gen.  Ward  led  the  brigade, 
and  when  near  Lawrenceburg,  in  the  grey  light  of  dawn- 
ing day,  he  halted  the  column  and  with  the  usual  Ken- 
tucky accent  gave  the  command  "prepahto  load — LOAD  !" 
The  leaden  balls  were  quickly  sent  home.  The  men 
were  just  then  in  a  fighting  mood.  They  would  have 
faced  Beelzebub  and  all  his  angels  and  would  never  have 
thought  of  running. 

We  continued  on  to  Lawrenceburg,  but  the  bird  had 
flown.  Morgan  had  passed  through  the  town  an  hour 
and  a  half  previous  to  our  arrival.  The  pursuit  was 
continued  by  other  troops.  We  rested  a  few  hours — 
some  of  the  men  sleeping — with  stones  for  pillows — 
others  munching  hard  crackers  and  raw  pork. 

The  return  march  was  made  in  slower  time.  Many  of 
the  men  were  completely  worn  down  and  they  marched 
into  camp  at  a  snail's  pace — literally  dragging  them- 
selves along.  We  reached  camp  at  7  o'clock  in  the  eve- 
ning, having  marched  thirty-two  miles. 


18  HISTORY    OF    THE     102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

If  our  brigade  had  been  mounted  John  Morgan  would 
doubtless  have  been  headed-off,  but  the  anti-cavalry 
theory  was  popular  at  that  time,  and  the  brilliant  com- 
bination against  the  guerrilla  chief  was  an  entire  failure. 

While  at  Frankfort  the  officers  of  the  regiment  en- 
deavored to  convince  Colonel  McMurtry  that  it  would  bo 
well  for  him  to  transfer  the  command  to  some  other  per- 
son. The  Colonel  refused  to  be  convinced.  There  was 
much  dissatisfaction,  and  not  a  little  unwarranted  mur- 
muring. The  old  Colonel  meant  well.  Beneath  a  rough 
exterior  he  had  a  kind  heart,  and  at  this  distant  day  his 
men  would  not  tarnish  the  honors  of  age  by  any  harsh 
criticisms.  Col.  McMurtry  was  in  poor  health,  and 
finally  became  seriously  sick,  went  to  the  hospital  for 
treatment  and  eventually  to  his  home. 

The  comnland  then  devolved  upon  Lieut.  Col.  F.  C. 
Smith,  an  untried  man.  Col.  Smith  very  modestly  as- 
sumed command  ;  acknowledging  his  inexperience,  but 
declaring  his  willingness  to  learn,  and  to  do  the  best  he 
could  by  the  men.  For  a  long  time  there  was  much 
dissatisfaction  in  the  regiment.  Many  were  clamorous 
for  a  commander  who  "  had  seen  service." 

On  the  evening  of  the  25th  of  October,  an  order  came 
to  be  in  readiness  to  march  the  following  day — destina- 
tion, Bowling  Green.  That  night  snow  fell  to  the  depth 
of  three  inches.  It  was  a  cheerless  morning  that  dawned 
Oct.  26th,  1862.  But  there  could  be  no  postponement  of 
the  march, 

The  army  under  Rosecrans  was  on  the  move,  and  the 
work  before  it  was  to  defeat  and  hurl  back  the  rebel 
hordes  that  had  marched  so  triumphantly  from  the  Ten- 
nessee to  the  Ohio.  At  the  appointed  hour  the  regiment 
struck  tents  and  marched  cheerfully  away  to  face  new 
trials  and  unknown  dangers. 

The  brigade  marched  twenty  miles  that  day  and 
camped  at  Salt  River.  The  men  spread  their  blankets 
on  the  snow  and  sk-pt  very  uncomfortably.-- 

*The  accompanying  abridged  account  of  the  march  to  Bowling  Green  is  princi- 
pally taken  from  brief  notes  furnished  by  Lieut.  D.  W.  Sheahan  and  Corp.  J.  E. 
Gilmore.  Being  sick  at  the  commencement  of  the  march,  I  was  absent  from  the 
regim«nt  from  Oct.  2fith  until  Nov.  4th.  8.  F.  P. 


FROM  FRANKFORT  TO  BOWLING  GREEN.       19 

Passed  through  the  romantic  little  town  of  "  Dog- 
walk  "  on  the  27th.  The  town  is  a  miserable  old  dilapida- 
ted place,  located  in  a  deep  hollow.  Some  of  the  men 
foraged  quite  extensively  there,  and  among  other  articles 
secured  a  quantity  of  whisky.  The  column  marched  ten 
miles  during  the  day  over  a  very  bad  road,  and  went 
into  camp  at  a  place  which  the  soldiers  called  Hell's 
Point.  The  camp  was  boisterous  that  evening ; — the 
whisky  obtained  at  "Dog-walk"  had  been  freely 
imbibed,  and  the  usual  consequences  followed. 

The  brigade  moved  at  8  o'clock  A.  M.,  on  the  28th, 
and  marched  IV  miles,  passing  through  Johnsonville  and 
Chaplin  Hill.  Camped  at  Sugar  Grove. 

Passed  through  Bloomfield  and  Bardstown  on  the 
29th.  Marched  "thirteen  miles,  and  camped  one  mile 
from  the  last  named  place. 

On  the  30th  of  October,  the  column  marched  thirteen 
miles,  reached  New  Haven,  and  went  into  camp  near 
the  town.  At  that  place  the  first  regimental  muster  and 
pay  rolls  were  made  out. 

Marched  eighteen  miles  on  the  31st,  and  near  Hodg- 
kinsville  passed  by  the  birth-place  of  Abraham  Lincoln. 
The  log  building  in -which  he  first  breathed  the  breath 
of  life,  had  been  torn  down,  re-erected  and  used  as  a 
stable.  Camped  that  irght  near  Nolen's  Run,  in  Larue 
County. 

On  the  first  day  of  November  the  brigade  marched 
twelve  miles  and  reached  Bacon  Creek  Station.  There 
the  sick  and  worn  out  soldiers  were  placed  on  board  the 
cars  and  sent  forward. 

During  the  2d,  the  column  passed  through  Mumfords- 
ville  and  crossed  Green  River.  Marched  fifteen  miles 
and  camped  at  Horse  Cave.  Many  of  the  men  visited 
the  cave. 

Marched  eighteen  miles  on  the  3d,  passec^  within  a  few 
miles  of  the. celebrated  jlammoth  Cave,  and  went  into 
camp  fifteen  miles  from  Bowling  Green,  in  a  plowed 
field. 

Passed  through  Bowling  Green  on  the  4th,  and 
camped  at  Lost  River,  three  miles  southwest  of  the  city. 


20  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY     VOLS. 

The  march  from  Frankfort  to  the  camp  at  Lost  River, 
near  Bowling  (iivrn,  was  accomplished  in  ten  days — 
distance  one  hundred  and  iifty-tbur  miles ; — average 
march  per  day,  a  fraction  over  fifteen  miles.  During  the 
latter  part  of  the  march  the  roads  were  dry  and  dusty. 
Great  clouds  of  dust  constantly  filled  the  atmosphere. 
The  soldiers  were  literally  coated  with  dust,  and  com- 
rades marching  together  could  scarcely  recognize  each 
other. 

Many  of  the  men  were  foot-sore  when  they  reached 
Lost  River,  but  in  other  respects  they  endured  the  march 
like  veterans. 

The  brigade  remained  at  Lost  River  from  the  4th 
until  the  llth  of  November. 

Lost  River  is  a  small  stream  which,  apparently  rising 
out  of  the  ground,  flows  a  few  hundred  yards  and  disappears 
in  the  mouth  of  a  yawning  cavern — hence  its  name. 
The  stream  makes  no  approach  in  size  to  the  dignity  of 
a  river. 

Being  determined,  notwithstanding  the  retiring  dis- 
position of  the  little  river,  to  seek  a  further  acquaintance, 
a  number  of  us  explored  the  underground  channel. 

Lighting  our  candles  AVI'  wandered  over  detached  rocks, 
far  into  the  interior,  where  the  solemn  stillness  of  the 
place  was  broken  only  by  the  murmuring  stream,  and 
the  sound  of  our  own  voices.  The  ceiling  of  the  cavern- 
ous passage  reaches  in  some  places  almost  to  the  bed  of 
the  stream,  and  in  other  parts  rises  in  a  dome-like  form, 
so  high  that  the  outlines  were  rendered  but  dimly  visible 
by  the  aid  of  our  imperfect  lights.  Our  voices  resounded 
with  startling  effect  through  the  rugged  aisles,  and  the 
report  of  a  pistol  was  as  deafening  as  the  ordinary  sound 
of  a  cannon. 

While  underground  we  were  almost  directly  beneath 
the  camp  of  our  brigade.  We  occupied  over  an  hour 
picking  our  way  over  the  rocks  and  through  the  sinu- 
ous aisles,  and  at  the  end  of  that  time  were  contented  to 
live  in  the  Cupper  world  "  again. 

Col.  Bryner  of  the  49th  111.  Regiment,  visited  the 
102d  at  Bowling  Green,  and  an  eilorl  was  made  to  elect 
him  Colonel  of  the  regiment.  But  the  election  resulted 
in  the  choice  of  Lieut.  Col.  F.  C.  Smith  for  that  place. 


GRAND  REVIEW  BY  GEN.  ROSECRAXS.        21 

As  Col.  McMurtry  had  not  yet  resigned,  Col.  Smith 
could  not  then  be  commissioned,  but  by  the  action  of  the 
officers  at  that  time  the  mooted  question  was  effectually 
settled. 

On  the  9th  of  Nov.  our  division  was  reviewed  by  Maj. 
Gen.  Rosecrans.  Riding  to  the  right  of  the  division  and 
then  guiding  his  horse  slowly  along  the  front  towards  the 
left  he  received  the  salute  of  each  regiment  as  he  passed, 
and  to  each  addressed  a  few  well-timed  words.  Ap- 
proaching the  105th  he  said:  "Men  of  the  105th  when 
you  go  into  battle  fire  deliberately  and  aim  low.  Remem- 
ber that  if  each  one  of  you  hits  a  man  you  will  kill  and 
cripple  a  great  many.  It  is  a  short  lesson  and  I  hope 
you  will  remember  it."  Then  riding  on  he  said ;  "  These 
are  tah1  men — very  tall;  they  must  have  been  raised 
where  they  grow  such  tall  corn."  In  passing,  he  paid  the 
102d  a  handsome  compliment.  He  carefully  observed 
the  condition  of  the  soldier's  equipments,  noticing  the 
least  deficiencies.  "  Where  is  your  canteen,"  said  he, 
addressing  a  soldier  who  had  none.  "  Lost."  "  Well, 
tell  your  Captain  to  get  you  another."  Gen.  Rosecrans 
m;ikes  a  fine  appearance  on  horseback.  He  has  a  genial 
countenance  which  at  once  enlists  the  good  will  of  the 
soldiers. 

The  camp  at  Lost  River  was  so  pleasant,  that  we 
received  marching  orders  with  strong  feelings  of  regret. 
The  weather  was  much  of  the  time  very  fine,  and  during 
leisure  hours  we  enjoyed  rare  sport  rambling  through 
the  woods,  gathering  hickory  nuts,  walnuts  and  persim- 
mons. 


22  HISTORY    OF    THE     102D    ILL.     I.VFAXTIIY    VOL3. 


CHAPTER  III. 

The  march  to  Scottsville.  Brief  Rest.  Yankee  tricks. 
An  unsophisticated  maiden.  The  march  to  GaU«t'</>. 
Permanent  encampment.  Morgan  Alarms.  A  gloomy 
period.  Regimental  changes.  Reminiscence  of  Gal- 
la.tin. 

At  an  early  hour,  Nov.  llth,  the  camp  at  Bowling 
Green  was  abandoned,  and  we  marched  by  an  unfre- 
quented road,  over  high  hills  and  through  deep  valleys 
in  the  direction  of  Scottsville.  The  hills  were  in  many 
places  so  steep  that  the  wagon  train  moved  with  great 
difficulty.  The  wild  appearance  of  the  region  and  the 
anti-progressive  character  of  the  people  attracted  the 
attention  of  all  observers.  The  majority  of  the  dwell- 
ings were  rude  log  cabins — with  but  one  redeeming  fea- 
ture— the  old-fashioned  lire-place,  which  always  suggests 
a  picture  of  primeval  happiness.  Looking  at  those  well 
worn  hearthstones  the  mind  of  the  native  or  pioneer 
western  man  went  back  to  the  time,  long  ago,  when  as 
one  of  a  happy  family  circle  he  was  accustomed  to  sit 
before  a  brightly  blazing  fire  made  of  hickory  logs.  Oh  ! 
there  is  not  in  the  wide  world  another  such  place  to 
dream  day  dreams  and  build  air  castles  ! 

During  the  .first  day's  march  we  passed  a  school  house 
— Ihe  best  that  had  been  seen  in  the  journey  through  the 
State.  The  children  came  out  enmasse,  to  look  at  the 
soldiers.  A  Yankee  soldier  was  something  of  a  novelty 
in  that  region.  Butternut  colored  clothing  wa<  almost 
universally  worn.  Many  of  the  whites  used  the  genuine 
negro  brogue  in  conversation. 

That  there  should  be  so  much  difference  in  dress, 
habits  and  manners  between  Kentuckian.s  and  Illinoisans, 
sci-mi'il  very  strange.  No  Western  man  could  be 
induced  to  live  in  that  portion  of  Kentucky.  The  soil 
had  the  appearance  of  having  been  blasted  by  a  thou- 
sand years  of  furnace  heat, 


KENTUCKY    SCRIP A    SOUND    CURREXCY.  23 

What  enterprising  Yankee  even,  could  resist  the  ener- 
vating influence  of  a  Kentucky  Indian  Summer  day — 
with  its  hazy  atmosphere,  and  the  great  red  sun  glowing 
upon  a  forest  of  red  and  yellow  leaves,  and  a  deep  red 
soil ! 

Tobacco  was  the  staple  article — cultivated  by  all,  and 
used  by  men,  women  and  children.  The  soldiers  gave 
it  the  name  of  "  Kentucky  scrip,"  and  it  seemed  to  be 
the  only  kind  of  currency  on  which  there  was  no  dis- 
count. An  incident,  by  the  way,  will  illustrate  how 
popular  the  weed  is  in  that  part  of  Kentucky : 

Sergt.  Gregg,  of  Co.  C,  feeling  weary  and  very  hun- 
gry, halted  at  a  house  by  the  roadside  and  asked  for 
something  to  eat.  "  O,  yes,  you  shall  have  something  to 
eat  as  soon  as  I  can  bake  some  biscuits,"  said  the  lady 
of  the  house.  George  took  his  seat,  but  while  patiently 
waiting  the  supper  which  the  wroman  was  busily  prepar- 
ing, his  nerves  received  a  violent  shock  as  she  turned  to 
him  with  the  question :  "  Mister  will  you  please  to  let 
me  have  a  chaw  of  tubbacker  ?"  He  gave  her  a  plug 
and  was  astonished  to  see  her  bite  off  a  huge  piece  and 
commence  munching  it  with  ah1  the  eagerness  of  a  vete- 
ran* chewer.  Cooking  supper,  and  at  the  same  time  spit- 
ting tobacco  juice  here  and  there,  did  not  comport  with 
George's  idea  of  decency,  yet  he  was  hungry,  and  that 
was  no  time  to  entertain  squeamish  misgivings  about 
what  w^as  placed  on  the  table  before  him.  He  sat  down 
and  ate  with  the  resolution  of  a  soldier. 

We  camped  at  Sulphur  Springs  the  night  of  the  llth: 
Reached  Scottsville  on  the  evening  of  the  12th  of  Xov. 
and  went  into  camp  on  the  sunny  side  of  a  long  hill,  near 
a  stream  of  excellent  water. 

Scottsville  is  the  county  seat  of  Allen  County,  and  at 
the  time  of  our  visit  probably  contained  a  hundred  and 
fifty  inhabitants.  The  people  appeared  to  be  generally 
loyal.-  They  carried  on  a  lively  trade  with  the  soldiers, 
which  was  not  always  very  profitable  to  them.  They 
brought  in  corn-meal,  dried  apples,  dried  peaches,  bread, 
pies,  etc.  Money  was  scarce  among  the  soldiers,  and 
some  of  the  more  unscrupulous  resorted  to  strategy  to 
obtain  what  they  wanted,  and  in  some  cases  imposed  most 


24  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    IX  FAN  TRY    VOLS. 

shamefully  upon  the  credulity  of  the  people.  One  of  the 
men  repeatedly  deceived  them  hi  this  way  : — he  shellec 
a  small  quantity  of  corn,  placed  it  in  a  sack,  told  them  11 
was  coffee,  and  traded  it  for  pies  ami  other  luxuries 
Another  removed  the  pole  straps  from  a  citizen's  horse 
carried  the  straps  around  to  the  driver  and  exchangee 
them  for  something  to  eat.  One-cent  labels  from  bottle* 
of  "  Painkiller  "  were  passed  readily  for  one-dollar  bills, 

Two  other  incidents  that  occurred  at  Scottsville  wil 
fully  illustrate  the  unsophisticated  nature  of  the  people ; 

An  old  gentleman  who  was  dealing  in  apples  and  pies 
thought  he  was  too  sharp  for  the  Yankees,  and  refused 
to  receive  postage  stamps  for  his  edibles.  Presently  one 
of  the  boys  brought  out  some  stamps  which  he  had 
taken  from  some  old  letters.  Offering  them  to  the  citi- 
zen they  were  eagerly  accepted  with  the  remark — "  Oh. 
yes !  I'll  take  those ;  I  know  they  are  good  for  thetfvt 
been  used  /" 

The  other  case  was  one  in  which  our  friend  Lieut.  A. 
II.  Trego  figured.  The  Lieutenant  was  purchasing  some 
pies  of  an  interesting  young  lady  and,  no  doubt,  wishing 
to  prolong  the  interview,  commenced  a  conversation 
with  her,  and  in  the  course  of  the  colloquy  asked  the 
distance  to  the  Tennessee  line.  Noticing  that  she  looked 
at  him  enquiringly,  without  immediately  replying,  the 
question  was  repeated  :  "  What !"  said  she,  "  Tennes- 
see Line !"  no  such  folks  live  around  here, — I've  lived 
here  all  my  time  and  there's  nobody  of  that  name  'bout 
here  Pm  shore  /"  The  conversation  here  ended.  Lieut. 
T.  asked  no  more  questions  about  the  Tennessee  line, 
but  struck  a  bee-line  for  his  quarters. 

The  routine  of  duty  at  Scottsville  was  quite  heavy. 
At.five  o'clock  every  morning  the  camp  was  aroused  by 
the  discharge  of  a  cannon.  Then  followed  the  roll  of 
the  drums,  and  then  roll  call.  At  eight  o'clock  guard- 
mounting.  In  those  days  we  had  camp  guards  as  well 
as  pickets.  Company  and  squad  drill  from  ten  to  half- 
past  eleven  o'clock.  Battallion  drill  from  half-past  one, 
until  four  o'clock  p.  m.  Dress  parade  at  four. 

On  the  morning  of  the  25th  of  Nov.  we  resumed  the 
march  southward  in  the  direction  of  Gallatin.  After 
marching  a  few  hours,  and  while  passing  through  a  deep 


CAMPING    UNDER    DIFFICULTIES.  25 

valley,  loud  cheers  were  borne  to  our  ears  from  the  head 
of  the  column.  We  had  found  the  "  Tennessee  line." 

At  a  late  hour  that  evening,  when  expecting  every  mo- 
ment to  be  halted  for  the  night,  the  column  commenced 
descending  a  narrow  valley — down,  down,  down ;  deeper 
and  darker,  and  only  room  enough  at  the  bottom  for  the 
road!  Where  would  an  encampment  be  found?  The 
question  was  soon  answered.  A  halt  was  ordered.  The 
men  stacked  arms.  The  wagon  train  halted  in  the  road. 
A  fence  on  the  hillside  near  by,  afforded  fuel.  Owing  to 
the  lateness  of  the  hour  and  the  inequalities  of  the 
ground  we  were  unable  to  pitch  our  tents,  and  slept  in 
Indian  style  by  the  brightly  blazing  camp  fires. 

We  continued  on  at  an  early  hour  next  morning  and 
passed  through  what  appeared  to  be  the  nucleus  of  a 
town.  The  only  thing  we  saw  there  worth  commenting 
upon,  was  a  satirical  representation  of  Bragg  and  Buell, 
rudely  charcoaled  on  the  door  of  a  blacksmith  shop, — 
one  smoking  a  pipe,  the  other  a  cigar,  and  apparently 
chatting  in  a  jovial,  hail-fellow-well-met  style.  It  was 
thought  that  the  soldiers  of  both  armies  could  appreciate 
the  caricatures.  The  town  or  neighborhood  was  called 
Rock  House  Valley. 

We  reached  Gallatin  in  the  evening — Nov.  26th — little 
thinking  then  that  we  would  remain  there  six  long 
mouths.  But  such  was  to  be  our  destiny. 

Gallatin  is  a  pleasant  village  of  about  two  thousand 
inhabitants ;  has  some  neat  residences,  and  the  people 
had  exhibited  taste  and  refinement  in  decorating  their 
grounds  and  ornamenting  their  buildings.  The  pretty 
groves  of  evergreens  in  which  neatly  painted  white  cot- 
tages were  cosily  nestled,  presented  a  pleasant  picture 
during  those  cool  December  days. 

The  weather  became  excessively  cold  a  fewr  days  after 
our  arrival.  Considerable  snow  fell.  Rude  chimneys 
were  hastily  constructed  in  our  tents,  but  with  all  his  la- 
bor the  soldier  was  only  comfortable  when  snugly  stowed 
away  in  his  bed.  When  the  weather  became  moremod- 
-  erate  the  Brigade  commenced  work  on  Fort  Thomas. 
Finally  the  102d  was  ordered  to  finish  the  fort  and  garri- 
son it  until  further  orders.  3 


1W          IIIfcTOKY    OF    THE    lU2l>    ILL.    1.NFANTKY    VOI  B. 

In  tlif  meantime  there  were  many  of  "war's  alarms.1' 
The  first  occurred  at  the  time  of  the  Ilartsville  disaster. 
The  startling  news  came  one  quiet  Sabbath  evening  that 
the  enemy, — six  thousand  strong — had  surprised  our 
forces  at  that  place;  fifteen  miles  distant — killing  and 
capturing  the  entire  garrison,  save  a  few  stragglers. 
Their  captures  included  part  of  Nicklin's  Battery,  and 
the  wragon  train  and  stores  belonging  to  the  command. 
Our  forces  were  commanded  by  Col.  Moore,  and  consist- 
ed of  a  brigade  of  infantry,  three  hundred  cavalry,  and 
a  section  of  Nicklin's  Battery.  The  rebel  victory  was 
complete.  This  was  one  of  the  minor  lessons  of  the 
war  which  taught  our  officers  the  necessity  of  eternal 
vigilance. 

The  morning  after  the  disaster  we  were  aroused  at  an 
early  hour  and  ordered  to  be  in  readiness  to  move  at  a 
moment's  notice.  But  no  move  was  made.  The  next 
night  we  were  ordered  to  hold  ourselves  in  readiness  to 
meet  the  advancing  enemy ;  every  preparation  was  made 
for  a  fight;  wre  "slept  upon  our  arms"  and  were  up  ere 
the  "first  faint  streaks  of  dawn"  appeared  in  the  East, 
but  the  enemy  did  not  come.  Again,  on  the  next  night, 
the  "  long  roll "  sounded ;  the  men  tumbled  out  of  bed  ; 
flew  to  arms,  and  were  rapidly  formed  in  line  of  battle. 
After  shivering  awhile  in  the  cold  they  learned  that  they 
were  the  victims  of  another  false  alarm. 

But  those  days  were  not  altogether  gloomy.  "NYliile  in 
our  first  camp  at  Gallatin  an  installment  of  luxuries  from 
home  was  received  by  several  companies  of  the  regiment. 
Cans  of  preserves,  piles  of  cakes,  green  apples,  dried 
apples,  cheese  and  choice  butter  !  "What  a  princely  bill 
of  fare  for  soldiers  !  Many  were  the  delighted  recipients 
of  warm  mittens,  gloves,  stockings,  and  a  host  of  minor 
articles,  such  as  pins,  needles,  thread,  ink,  pens,  writing 
paper  and  postage  stamps.  The  lucky  ones  liberally 
shared  their  luxuries  with  those  who  unfortunately 
received  none.  For  many  days  there  \\  as  a  heavy  dis- 
count on  "  fat  pork  and  hard  crackers/'  After  a  boun- 
tiful meal  of  the  good  things  had  been  dispatched  it  was 
common  for  the  men  to  gather  about  their  camp-tin  > 
and  smoke  their  fragrant  cigars  with  all  the  gravity 
becoming  gentlemen  of  leisure. 


ORDERED  INTO  WINTER  QUARTERS.          27 

The  articles  were  contributed  by  friends  at  home. 
The  soldiers  were  much  indebted  to  Capt.  J.  A.  Jordan 
for  his  zeal  and  perseverance  in  taking  charge  of  the 
iroods,  shipping  them  to  their  destination  and  delivering 
them  in  person  to  the  men. 

About  the  first  of  December  the  command  of  the  Post 
at  Gallatin  was  given  to  Brig.  Gen.  E.  A.  Paine.  Gen. 
Dnmont,  our  Division  commander,  had  resigned,  and  all 
the  troops  at  the  Post  were  ordered  to  report  to  General 
Paine.  The  General  made  a  speech  to  us  shortly  after 
our  arrival.  He  referred  to  the  anomalous  position  of 
the  amateur  soldier ; — characterized  the  strict  discipline 
necessary  to  the  proper  discharge  of  the  soldier's  duties 
as  repulsive  to  the  feelings  of  Americans,  yet  urged  its 
absolute  necessity,  and  asked  us  to  preserve  untarnished 
the  brilliant  name  Illinois  had  already  won  in  the  annals 
of  the  war.  He  was  followed  by  Gen.  Ward,  who  is  a 
very  fluent  speaker.  He  paid  a  glowing  tribute  to  Illi- 
nois soldiers,  and  his  speech  was  of  course  well  received. 

Our  Brigade  was  ordered  into  winter  quarters  about 
the  10th  of  December.  The  70th  Ind.  Regt.  camped 
near  the  race-course,  northeast  of  the  town — a  detach" 
ment  from  that  regiment  was  stationed  at  Sanders ville. 

The  105th  Ill's.  Reg't  went  into  camp  about  a  half 
mile  east  of  town,  and  the  79th  Ohio  Reg't  camped 
about  the  same  distance  north. 

The  102d  went  into  winter  quarters  at  Fort  Thomas 
on  the  12th  of  December.  Companies  I,  K  and  G  were 
detailed  the  following  day  as  Provost  Guards,  and  were 
assigned  comfortable  quarters  in  houses  around  the  Pub- 
lic Square.  Co.  C  was  sent  to  Station  Creek — three 
miles  south  of  town — to  guard  a  railroad  bridge,  and 
was  there  soon  established  in  good  quarters.  The 
company  had  a  splendid  position, — ^the  men  led  a  free 
jind  easy  life ;  foraging  extensively  and  conseqently  liv- 
"11112:  like  princes.  The  companies  that  remained  at  Fort 
Thomas  constructed  underground  chimnies,  orfire-placei 
in  their  tents,  and  thus  all  were  prepared  for  inclement 
weather.  Thus  divided,  the  regiment  passed  the  gloom- 
iest period  of  its  term  of  service.  Lieut.  Col.  Smith 
and  Major  Maurion  were  in  poor  health,  and  were 


28  HISTORY    OP    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOI.s. 

much  of  the  time  absent.  Many  of  the  men  were  sick. 
Our  numbers  were  rapidly  diminishing  on  account  of 
resignations,  deaths  and  discharges.  The  effect  of  di- 
viding the  regiment  was  unfavorable  to  advancement  in 
our  profession  as  soldiers. 

The  military  situation,  East  and  West,  was  unsatisfac- 
tory, and  the  startling  reports  of  disaffection  in  the 
North  added  to  the  general  gloom.  Although  thel'e  was 
but  little  transpiring  in  our  immediate  vicinity,  Ave  could 
almost  hear  the  rush  and  the  roar  of  the  distant  storm, 
and  the  creaking  timbers  of  the  Ship  of  State, — buffet- 
ing the  waves.  Two  long  years  had  passed  since  the 
setting  of  the  sun  of  peace,  and  as  we  looked  back 
through  the  shadows  of  increasing  night,  the  glory  of 
those  halcyon  days  seemed  ever  more  enchanting.  Could 
they  ever  return  to  us  ? 

The  battle  of  Murfreesboro  afforded  but  slight  relief. 
Within  hearing  of  the  guns  we  awaited  the  issue  of  the 
contest  with  intense  solicitude.  As  the  smoke  cleared 
away  it  became  evident  that  the  advantages  gained  were 
secured  at  a  terrible  cost.  How  different  the  result 
might  have  been  if  our  army  had  been  in  fighting  quali- 
ties, up  to  the  standard  it  reached  a  year  later.  And 
here  the  secession  sympathizers  and  the  croakers  in  the 
North  might  have  detected  some  of  the  fruits  of  their 
work.  Many  of  our  soldiers  were  discouraged  and  did 
not  engage  in  the  battle  with  the  enthusiasm  which  bore 
down  all  opposition  at  Lookout  Mountain,  Mission  Ridge 
Resaca  and  Atlanta.  Bravery  was  not  wanting.  No 
braver  men  ever  breathed  than  those  who  restored  the 
fortunes  of  the  day  and  held  in  check  the  surging  masses 
of  rebels  on  the  ever  memorable  31st  of  December, — 
they  wanted  the  prestige  of  success. 

During  the  dark  days  of  our  sojourn  in  Gallatin,  the 
mortality  on  account  of  disease  in  the  different  reffi- 
mer.N  was  absolutely  frightful.  Daily,  almost  hourly, 
the  sound  of  the  muiHcd  drum  ami  the  plaintive  dirgt- 
1'cll  upon  our  ears. 

In  addition  to  all  this,  the  wc.Mtlu-r  was  for  a  loji^-  time 
very  inclement.  Cold  rains  were  freniicnt,  and  occa- 
sionally snow  it'll. 


A    ir.VPPV     rONTRAUAXD.  29 

The  only  class  of  people  that  seemed  contented  amid 
so  much  misery  was  the  colored  community.  They 
enjoyed  their  usual  festivities,  cotillon  parties,  etc.  My 
mind  reverts  to  one  or  two  sleek,  sable  lasses  who  were 
:!••«•  u stomped  to  dance  on  the  pavement  with  every  mani- 
festation of  ecstatic  delight  when  the  martial  bands 
would  play,  on  their  return  from  the  burial  of  a  soldier. 
A  funeral  was  evidently  a  treat  to  these  miserable  crea- 
tures. 

At  the  opening  of  Spring  the  regiment  had  dwindled 
away  from  nine  hundred  and  twenty-one  to  a  small  frac- 
tion over  seven  hundred  men.  But  a  brighter  day  was 
at  hand.  The  regiment  had  passed  through  the  ordeal 
of  purification.  Much  of  the  useless  material,  rank  and 
tile,  had  been  thrown  off  as  an  effete  encumbrance. 

Lieut.  Col.  Smith  commenced  the  work  of  introducing 
some  ideas  of  discipline  into  the  minds  of  the  men.  He 
'•mi ducted  battalion  drill  every  day  and  ordered  com- 
pany and  squad  drill.  Harmony  was  in  a  measure 
secured  among  the  officers.  A  strong  prejudice  existed 
against  the  Colonel,  but  the  soldiers  were  treated  by  him 
as  friends  and  as  fellow  citizens — temporarily  subser- 
vient to  the  military  powers.  He  thus  won  their  confi- 
dence and  in  a  measure  overcame  their  prejudice. 
Under  his  command  the  highest  possible  degree  of  per- 
sonal liberty,  consistent  with  the  good  of  the  service,  was 
enjoyed  by  the  men. 

During  the  winter  months  of  1862-3  there  were 
several  of  the  "  Morgan-alarms "  which  had  caused  so 
much  excitement  about  the  time  of  our  arrival. 

Most  frequently  these  alarms  were  created  by  exag- 
gerated stories  of  excited  contrabands.  The  magnify- 
ing powers  of  a  negro's  imagination  under  certain  con- 
ditions are  wonderful.  Having  seen  a  few  guerillas  a 
short  distance  from  town,  they  would  come  in,  exhausted 
from  running,  and  with  distended  eyes,  report  "  John 
Mawgan  comirf  right  down  dar  with  all  his  foce  /" 
Quickly  the  order  to  get  ready  for  a  "  brush,"  would  fly 
from  camp  to  camp.  With  wonderful  energy  the  Post 
Quartermaster  would  have  his  wagons  wheeled  into  line 
and  interlocked  across  the  streets,  presenting  a  formid- 
able barrier  to  the  progress  of  the  chivalry. 


30          HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    II. I,.     INFAMKY    VuJ.S. 

So  frequent  were  these  alarms  that  :i  sarcastic  Ten- 
nessee poetess  referring  to  them  was  constrained  to  point 
her  sarcasm  in  a  parody  on  ik  .Maryland,  my  Maryland," 
which  ran  thus  : 

"  The  Yankees  they  get  scared  at  night : 
Blockade  the  streets  with  all  their  might ; 

Would'st  know  the  cause — old  8 is  "  tight." 

Gallatin  !    My  Gallatin  ! 

But  John. never  came  to  see  us.     A  small  affair  occurred 
up  the  railroad,  however,  which  I  will  briefly  notice. 

On  the  28th  of  April  an  order  came  to  the  regiment 
about  nine  o'clock  A.  M.,  directing  the  Colonel  to  have 
two  hundred  of  his  men  supplied  with  two  days  rations, 
and  to  report  with  them  immediately  for  a  scout — Col, 
B.  J.  Sweet  to  be  chief  in  command.  The  men  wen- 
soon  ready.  We  marched  to  the  depot  and  took  the 
morning  train  in  the  direction  of  Louisville.  It  was  a 
lovely  morning.  Spring  had  come,  and  the  birds  were 
singing  amid  the  foliage  of  the  trees.  Could  it  be  that 
an  enemy  lurked  in  the  depths  of  those  dark  green 
woods  ? 

Fifty  of  our  detachment  had  been  left  at  Gallatin  on 
account  of  insufficient  means  of  transportation.  Fifty 
more  were  left  at  Franklin — twenty-seven  miles  from 
Gallatin.  Three  miles  north  of  Franklin,  as  we  Avere 
nearing  a  thick  wood,  the  whistle  screamed,  the  train 
suddenly  halted,  and  a  volley  of  balls  was  thrown  into 
and  around  the  cars.  Quick  as  lightning,  there  was  :t 
blaze  of  musketry  from  the  windows  of  the  cars.  The 
rebels  instantly  ran.  Our  men  started  enmasso  right 
after  them  but  were  checked  by  Col.  Sweet.  Skirmish- 
ers were  sent  out.  Capt.  Wilson  followed  them  with 
his  Co.  (K,) — accompanied  by  Col.  Smith.  The  pursuit 
was  kept  up  for  a  short  distance,  but  \vas  ineffectual. 

The  rebels  had  displaced  a  rail  and  evidently  intended 
to  make  short  work  with  the  train.  They  were  hand- 
somely checkmated.  There  were  not  more  than  twenty- 
five  of  the  villains.  They  lost  tw<>  men  killed  outright 
and  several  wounded  and  captured.  Five  of  our  regi- 
mentwere  wounded — two  mortally.  A  little  drunmier- 

boy  of  some  other  regiment,  who  had  l>een   fiirloughed 

and  was  on  his  way  home,  had  one  of  his  legs  shai 

by  a  ball.     This  was  our  first  "  brush  "  with  the  enemy. 


KKS1«;\AT10NS     AMI     \'ll<  >M  <>  Tl< >  \  -  .  tt1 

Col.  McMurtry  visited  the  regiment  during  the  month 
of  March  and  tendered  his  resignation,  which  w.-is 
accepted.  Lieut.  Col.  Smith  who  had  been  chosen  to 
succeed  him  by  a  vote  of  the  officers,  when  the  regiment 
was  at  Bowling  Green,  was  then  commissipned  and 
mustered  as  Colonel.  By  this  change,  Major  J.  M. 
Mannon  became  Lieut.  Colonel,  and  Capt.  L.  D.  Shinn 
succeeded  him  as  Major. 

While  at  Gallatin,  the  following  additional  changes 
occurred  :  Dr.  D.  B.  Rice  joined  the  regiment  as  Sur- 

§eon  in  charge,  and  Dr.  T.  S.  Stan  way  joined  as  Asst. 
urgeon.  Sergt.  J.  E.  Huston,  of  Co.  K,  became  Chap- 
lain, vice  Rev.  M.  K.  Tullis,  resigned.  Sergt.  Major 
J.  H.  Snyder  was  commissioned  Adjutant ;  vice  J.  W. 
Pitman  resigned.  By  the  resignation  of  Capt.  Harding 
and  Lieut.  Gentry,  Lieut  Callaghan  became  Captain  of 
Co.  A,  and  Sergt.  T.  II.  Andrews  was  promoted  to  1st 
Lieutenant. 

In  Co.  F,  by  the  resignation  of  1st  Lieut.  Orlando 
Sullivan,  2d  Lieut.  G.  W.  Woolley  became  1st  Lieuten- 
ant, and  1st  Sergt.  Robert  S.  Peebles  succeeded  him 
as  2d  Lieutenant. 

In  Co.  D,  by  the  resignation  of  Capt.  Wilsie,  1st  Lieut. 
II.  Clay  became  Captain;  2d  Lieut.  J.  B.  Nixon  was 
promoted  to  1st  Lieutenant,  and  1st  Sergt.  O.  B.  Mat- 
teson  was  promoted  to  2d  Lieutenant. 

In  Co.  C,  by  the  resignation  of  Capt.  F.  Shedd,  1st 
Lieut.  Almond  Shaw  became  Captain,  and  2d  Lieut.  A. 
H.  Trego  was  promoted  to  1st  Lieutenant;  1st  Sergt. 
Byron  Jordan  succeeded  him  as  2d  Lieutenant. 

1st.  Lieut.  Dan  W.  Sedwick  was  promoted  to  Cap- 
tain of  Co.  E,  vice  Capt.  Thos.  Likely  resigned.  2d 
Lieut.  T.  G.  Brown  became  1st  Lieutenant,  and  Sergt. 
John  Allison  succeeded  the  latter  as  2d  Lieutenant. 

1st  Lieut.  Wm.  A.  Wilson  became  Capt.  of  Co.  K, 
vice  Capt.  S.  II.  KodgiTs  resigned.  2d  Lieut.  J.  Y. 
.Mcrrit  was  promoted  t<>  1  st  Lieutenant,  mid  Sergt.  S.  E. 
Willits  succeeded  the  latter  as  2d  Lieutenant. 


HISTORY     OK    TIIK     lO'Jl)     HJ..     INKANTIiY     VOI.S. 

In  Co.  G,  1st  Lieut.  Isaac  Me. Man  us  was  promoted  to 
Captain — rffc  Capl.J.  I*.  Wycof]'  resigned.  t>d  Lieut. 
Win.  .II.  r>ridgford  was  promoted  to  1st  Lieutenant,  and 
Nt  Sn-gt.  L.  P.  Blackburn  became  2d  Lieutenant.  !!<• 
soon  resigned  and  Sergt.  Aaron  G.  Hemy  wa&  promoted 
to  2d  Lieutenant. 

1st  Lieut.  Win.  M.  Armstrong  became  Captain  of  Co. 
B,  vice  Capt.  E.  C.  Atchison  resigned  2d  Lieutenant. 
J.  C.  Beswick  was  promoted  to  1st  Lieutenant,  and 
Sergt.  Ambrose  Stegall  succeeded  him  as  2d  Lieutenant. 

On  the  1st  day  of  June,  1863,  the  regiment  received 
inarching  orders.  Before  proceeding  with  an  account  of 
the  forward  movement  I  will  give  a 

REMINISCENCE     OF    GALLATIX. 

A  Union  man  had  been  killed  in  Wilson  Co.,  Tenn., 
under  circumstances  of  peculiar  barbarity.  After  killing 
him  the  bushwhackers  cut  out  his  tongue.  Gen.  Paine 
secured  a  number  of  guerillas  against  whom  there  was 
convincing  proof  of  complicity  in  the  brutal  murder. 
One  of  these  men  was  in  the  hands  of  the  Provost  Mar- 
shal,  Major  S.  In  company  with  Lieut.  Trego,  I  called 
on  the  Major,  and  we  requested  permission  to  see  the 
prisoner.  The  Major  granted  our  request  and  accom- 
panied us  to  the  jail — which  was  an  ordinary  building  of 
the  kind — gloomy  and  forbidding  in  its  external  appear- 
ance. The  guard  gave  way  to  admit  us  at  the  bidding 
of  the  Major.  Passing  along  an  alley  we  halted  at  a  side 
door — a  huge  iron  door — which  grated  dismally  as  it 
swung  upon  its  hinges.  Through  the  doorway  we  passed 
into  a  dark  and  dingy  apartment.  The  darkness  and 
dampness  of  the  place,  and  the  foul  atmosphere  reminded 
me  of  dismal  dungeons  that  I  had  read  of  in  stories  of 
imprisonment  and  persecution. 

The  Major  called  for  a  light,  and  as  it  threw  its  flick- 
ering rays  into  the  surrounding  gloom  we  were  enabled 
t<>  discern  a  number  of  persons  in  the  apartment.  One 
of  these  was  lying  upon  the  ground  near  the  wall — con- 
fined there  so  closely  that  he  could  only  move  his  hands, 
lie  was  lying  upon  his  back.  This  was  the  rutlian  guer- 
rilla. Major  S turned  to  the  guard  and  said  : 

"  What  do  you  feed  this  man  ?"  The  guard  stated  the 


K*  KM  I  Nisi  KNCE    OF    GALLATIN. 

amount  and.  kind  of  rations  he  had  been  giving  him. 
"  Hereafter  give  him  but  a  half  cracker  per  day.  He  is 
not  tied  as  tightly  as  he  should  be — tighten  him  down  !" 
Then  to  the  prisoner :  "  We  hung  two  of  your  comrades 
the  other  day,  but  we  can  finish  you  in  a  different  way — 
it  will  not  take  a  man  long  to  starve  to  death  on  a  half 
cracker  per  day." 

There  was  a  number  of  black  prisoners  in  the  room  ; 
tin-  Major  turned  to  them  and  said  :  "I  am  sorry  these 
blacks  must  be  confined  in  the  room  with  this  villain — it 
is  a  burning  disgrace  to  the  '  niggers.'  v  [These  were 
liis  words  substantially — I  cannot  repeat  them  ver- 
batim.] 

The  man,  up  to  this  time,  had  said  nothing — his  coun- 
tenance wearing  a  bitter  and  despairing  look.  Turning 
his  eyes  at  length  towards  the  Major,  he  said  : 

"Major,  will  you  allow  me  to  say  a  few  words  to 
you?" 

"  Not  a  d d  word.  You  assisted  in  depriving  a 

loyal  man  of  his  tongue,  and  yon  shall  not  be  allowed 
the  use  of  yours." 

Thus  the  poor  wretch  was  taunted,  only  with  more 
severity  than  I  have  written. 

Gladly  we  turned  to  go.  The  great  door  creaked  on 
its  hinges  and  closed  on  the  doomed  man,  leaving  him  in 
darkness  and  despair.  I  have  been  informed  that  he  was 
subsequently  hung  at  Murfreesboro.  Dark  as  his  crime 
\vas,  we  could  not  approve  the  spirit  of  vindictiveness 
manifested  in  treating  him  with  so  much  severity. 


HISTORY    OF    THE    102l>    ILL.     INTAN'TRY    YOLS. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Departure  from  Gallatin.  Arrival  at  Lavergne.  A 
la'Ps  Creek.  Railroad  yuarditu/.  Pleasant  soldier- 
tiuj.  A  niyht  ride.  JVeio  disposition  of  troops. 
Regimental  Headquarters  at  Lavergne.  Armed  with 
Spencer  Rifles.  The  Lebanon  Scout.  A  thrilling 
adventure. 

The  brigade  was  transferred  from  Gallatin  to  Lavergne 
by  railroad,  on  the  first  day  of  June,  1863.  From  that 
place  the  102d  marched  on  the  2d  to  Stewart's  Creek. 
The  regiment  was  there  divided.  Co.'s  E,  K  and  <r 
camped  near  the  railroad  bridge  across  Stewart's  Creek, 
and  were  under  the  immediate  command  of  Lieut.  Col. 
.Mannon.  Co.  II,  Capt.  Hiram  Elliott  commanding,  was 
stationed  at  Overall's  Creek,  in  close  proximity  to  the 
battle-ground  of  Murfreesboro.  Co.  B  at  Smyrna.  The 
remaining  companies  were  stationed  about  three-fourths 
of  a  mile  from  the  railroad  bridge,  at  Stewart's  Creek, 
near  a  small  fort.  There  Col.  Smith  established  regi- 
mental headquarters.  Thus  located  we  remained  until 
the  19th  day  of  August. 

The  intermediate  time  was  occupied  in  drilling,  visiting 
our  friends  at  the  front — visiting  the  Murtreesboro 
bat  tie-ground,  and  picking  bladk£erxi£fl — varying  the 
routine  of  exercises  by  an  occasional  scout. 

Regimental  and  company  drills  were  punctually 
observed.  Lieut.  Col.  Mannon  drilled  his  detachment 
daily,  and  the  "left  wing"  under  his  instructions  made 
rapid  progress.  The  two  wings  (excepting  Co.'s  II  and 
1>)  united  in  hattaHion  drill  each  day,  in  an  open  field 
near  the  railroad. 

Col.  Smith  by  diligent  application  had  become  tac- 
tically "  master  of  the  situation"  and  under  his  direc- 
tion the  regiment  maneuvered  on  batlallion  drill  with 
the  precision  of  a  veteran  organi/ation. 


PLEASANT    DAYS    AT    STEWAKT'S    (KEEK.  35 

Those  baltallion  drills — somewhat  obnoxious  to  us 
then,  on  account  of  the  excessive  heat — did  much  to  pre- 
pare us  for  subsequent  active  campaigns. 

Those  were  pleasant  days  in  our  regimental  history. 
The  citizens  were  generally  hospitable.  The  young 
ladies  of  the  neighborhood  were  pretty,  and  many  of 
them  accomplished.  They  loved  to  sing  the  "Bonny 
Blue  Flag  "  and  the  "  Home  Spun  Dress  "  to  our  men. 
In  return,  the  singers  of  the  regiment  sometimes  favored 
them  with  the  "  Star  Spangled  Banner,"  and  the  "  Song 
of  a  Thousand  Years"  or  "Rally  Round  the  Flag, 
Boys." 

Blackberries  ! — how  natural  the  transition  from  pretty 
girls  to  luscious  blackberries  !  This  tempting  fruit  grew 
in  unparalleled  abundance  in  that  vicinity.  There  were 
immense  quantities  within  the  picket  lines,  and  a  few 
miles  from  camp  there  were  large  fields  of  briars  bur- 
dened with  berries.  Morning,  noon  and  evening  they 
were  placed  on  our  table,  and  we  had  stewed  blackber- 
ries, blackberry  pies,  dumplings  and  blackberries  with 
milk — the  latter  a  substitute  for  cream. 

Writing  at  that  time  of  those  pleasant  days, -I  used 
the  following  language,  which,  in  the  light  of  subse- 
quent events,  has  a  deeper  interest.  I  wrote  of  "listening 
to  our  musical  Adjutant,  with  his  guitar,  singing  a  vari- 
ety of  sweet  songs.  Mingling  with  the  rich  notes  of 
the  instrument  we  heard  the  beautiful  words : 

"  Weeping  sad  and  lonely, 
Hopes  and  fears  how  vain, 

Yet  praying — 
M'hen  this  cruel  war  is  over 
Praying  that  we  meet  again." 

And— 

'"  Oh  !  wrap  the  flag  around  me,  boys," 

Or  that  other  incomparable  piece  of  music,  commencing, 

"  We  shall  meet  but  we  shall  miss  him." 

And  it  was  interesting  "to  observe  how  quickly  his  im- 
promtpu  concerts  collected  an  audience  in  front  of  his 
quarters — the  men  all  listening  with  quiet  but  intense  in- 
terest." That  sweet,  sad  music,  echoed  back  through  tin- 
years  gone  by,  seems  possessed  of  a  prophetic  s  gniii- 
cance  since  the  fate  of  the  singer  is  now  wrapped  iu 
impenetrable  mystery.  Of  this,  more  anon. 


36  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    Yol  >. 

Guerilla-  were  quite  bold  and  troublesome  during  the 
time  we  were  at  Stewart's  Creek.  A  detachment  of  the 
10th  Ohio  Cavalry,  which  was  encamped  near  us,  and 
A\as  under  the  command  of  Col.  Smith,  was  often 
out  after  the  miscreants,  and  was  <>cc;;sionally  n  inforced 
by  a  s<|uad  of  mounted  men  from  tin-  loud.  Ofun  these 
parties  would  have  u  jolly  time  before  returning. 

On  one  occasion  about  sunset,  word  ran  through  camp 
that  a  scouting  party  \v;is  going  out — the  object  bein- 
t«>  intercept  a  number  of  rebels,  who,  report  said  \ 
to  meet^it  a  house  south  of  Stone  Uivcr,  preparatory  to 
going  south.  All  available  horses  and  mules  were  quick- 
ly saddled,  and  we  were  soon  en  route  for  the  barrens 
beyond  the  river.  A  number  of  the  10th  Ohio  Cavalry 
accompanied  us.  A  repentant  rebel  who  had  made 
known  the  intentions  of  the  rebels  to  the  Colonel,  AY  as 
to  act  as  guide.  We  rode  to  his  house,  but  the  guide 
could  not  be  found — his  lady  stating  that  he  had  gone 
to  the  house  of  a  neighbor.  To  the  house  of  the  neigh- 
bor we  galloped.  "Not  there — had  been  there  that 
afternoon."  Thence  we  hurried  away  to  Stone  Kiver, 
forming  a  long  line  in  single  file  as  we  crossed  the-  histo- 
ric little  stream.  At  a  farm  house  beyond,  a  colored 
guide  was  procured,  to  pilot  us  to  a  house  about  two 
miles  distant  where  it  Avas  thought  the  migratory  guide 
could  be  found.  "  Cuffey  "  led  off  quite  briskly  and  for 
miles  we  (lashed  along  through  the  brush  at  a  break-neck 
speed.  At  length  the  senseless  haste  of  the  guide  was 
nu 'derated,  and  we — six  men  of  the  102d — discovered 
that  we  Avere  far  in  advance  of  the  main  party,  teach- 
ing the  house  Ave  learned  that  our  "  guide  "  had  not  been 
there, 

KnoAving  that  we  were  so  far  away  from  the  main 
body  of  the  detachment  that  they  could  not  find  us,  and 
confident  that  we  could  not  find  them,  we  were  left  to 
our  own  resources. 

"Take  us  to  Jefferson"  said  .Alike, — a  mule  mounted 
Lieutenant,  addressing  the  guide — and  for  Jeti'eixMi.  a 
il  town  two  miles  up  the  river,  we  started.  ?.iike 
was  full  of  mischief  and  yelled  out  to  the  guide,  "  For- 
ward! faster  /"  and  a AV ay  we  went  through  the  brush 
over  logs  and  into  dense  bodies  of  cedars.  "Faster!" 


HEAD-QUARTERS    AT    LAVERGNE.  37 

yelled  the  Lieutenant,  and  over  the  rocks,  leaping,  slip- 
ping and  stumbling — the  horses  shoes  striking  fire — 
onward  we  rode.  At  length  the  mad  cap  was  induced 
to  rein  in  his  steed.  Recording  Stone  River  we  rode 
into  Jefferson — an  antiquated  little  village,  picturesquely 
located.  All  the  inhabitants  were  wrapt  in  slumber. 
The  moon  had  fairly  risen  and  its  silvery  light  rendered 
the  scene  really  romantic. 

Dispensing  with  our  gnide  who  did  not  seem  to  appre- 
ciate the  romance  or  necessity  of  our  night  ride,  we 
continued  on  towards  camp.  But  another  idiosyncrasy 
seized  upon  "  Mike."  He  would  have  a  swim  in  Stone 
River.  Lieut.  W.  dashed  off  with  him.  The  remainder 
of  the  party  rode  leisurely  into  campt  which  was  reached 
at  two  o'clock  in  the  morning.  The  swimmers  came  in 
shortly  afterwards  and  the  entire  detachment  an  hour  or 
two  later — having  failed  to  accomplish  the  purpose  for 
which  it  was  sent 

At  that  time  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  was  con- 
centrated at  Murfreesboro',  but  there  were  busy  prepara- 
tions for  a  forward  movement.  The  forces  at  Nashville, 
and  at  contiguous  stations  on  the  railroad  were  organized 
into  a  Reserve  Corps  and  commanded  by  Maj.  Gen. 
Gordon  Granger.  Under  his  direction  anew  disposition 
of  troops  was  made  between  Nashville  and  Murfreesboro'. 
Our  brigade,  (excepting  the  102d)  was  ordered  to  Nash- 
ville. Col.  Smith  was  directed  to  station  six  companies 
of  his  regiment  along  the  railroad  at  tUe  different  stock- 
ades, and  march  with  the  remaining  companies  to 
Lavergne,  establishing  head-quarters  at  that  place. 

This  movement  was  effected  on  the  19th  of  August. 
Co.  A  was  stationed  at  Stockade  No.  3  on  Mill  Creek. 
Co.  B,  at  Smyrna.  Co.  D,  at  Stockade  No.  1  Mill  Creek. 
Co.  F,  at  Stockade  No.  2,  near  Antioch,  on  Mill  Creek.  Co. 
H,  at  Overall's  Creek.  Co.  K,  at  Stewart's  Creek.  Co's. 
I,  C,  E  and  G  were  stationed  at  Lavergne.  The  regi- 
ment, aided  by  about  two  hundred  of  the  10th  Ohio 
Cavalry,  guarded  the  railroad  between  Nashville  and 
Murfreesboro' — a  distance  of  thirty  miles.  The  cavalry 
was  subject  to  the  orders  of  Col.  Smith,  and  the  Colonel 
facetiously  remarked  at  the  time  that  his  command 


38  HISTORY    OF    THE    102n    ILL.     INFANTRY    YOLS. 

almost  equaled  that  of  Rosecrans, — his  right  resting 
near  Murfrecsboro,'  :uid  his  let!  in  tin-  vicinity  of  Nash- 
villc  !  The  responsible  duties  of  Post  Commandant 
devolved  upon  him,  and  the  citi/ens  were  constantly 
presenting  cases  of  grievance, — often  coming  to  him 
with  cases  of  a  civil  nature. 

Lieut.-Col.  Mannon  was  appointed  Provost  Marshal  of 
the  Post,  and  his  office  was  thronged  day  after  day 
with  repentant  rebels,  who  came  in  to  take  the  oath  of 
allegiance.  Doubtless  many  of  these  men  sincerely  re- 
gretted their  rebellious  course.  It  is  believed,  however, 
that  some  came  in  to  be  "  galvanized,"  in  order  to  place 
themselves  in  a  position  to  operate  more  effectually 
against  the  interests  of  the  government. 

According  to  their  standard  of  loyalty  it  was  an  easy 
matter  to  become  possessed  of  that  virtue.  Cheap  loy- 
alty was  illustrated  there  by  an  incident  which  I  will 
relate. 

Lieut.  Courtney,  Acting  Quarter-Master  at  that  time, 
had  foraged  some  corn,  or  other  article  of  subsistence  at 
the  "  plantation  "  of  an  old  citizen.  The  old  gentleman 
came  in  to  have  the  account  adjusted.  Calling  upon 
Lieut.  C.  he  asked  receipts  for  the  forage.  The  Lieuten- 
ant, being  a  little  suspicious  of  the  old  fellow,  asked 
him  if  he  was  a  loyal  man. 

"  O  !  yes,  sir;  I'm  a  loyal  man,  sir;  got  the  oath  right 
here  in  my  pocket/" 

Our  camp  was  upon  the  crest  of  a  hill  near  a  some- 
what extensive  earthwork,  and  a  short  distance  in  the 
rear  of  the  site  where  Lavergne  had  been — through 
the  vicissitudes  of  war,  the  village  had  been  reduced  to 
ashes — save  two  or  three  houses. 

Our  elevated  encampment  gave  us  a  fine  view  of  an 
immense  valley,  formed  by  the  confluence  of  Stone  River 
and  the  Cumberland.  Often  this  lowland  was  enveloped 
in  a  fog  for  some  hours  in  the  morning.  Here  and  there 
were  prominent  points  of  timber,  which  looked  like 
islands  in  a  mythical  lake,  the  farther  shore  of  which 
was  marked  by  a  line  of  bold  bluffs — fifteen  or  twenty 
miles  distant. 


HEAVY    DUTIES    IX    GATCRISOX.  39 

It  was  said  that  under  favorable  circumstances  a 
range  of  the  Cumberland  mountains — fifty  miles  away — 
could  be  seen  from  our  fort. 

While  encamped  at  Lavergne,  tents  were  entirely  ig- 
nored. A  large  number  of  elegant  log  huts  had  been 
vacated  by  the  regiments  which  returned  to  Nashville. 
These  were  removed  to  our  encampment  and  placed  in 
regular  order — forming  a  village  of  about  fifty  houses, 
with  three  streets. 

In  these  commodious  huts,  which  were  furnished  with 
fire-place,  bunks,  tables,  etc.,  we  were  well  prepared  for 
the  approaching  winter. 

Shortly  after  our  arrival  at  Lavergne,  Col.  Smith  re- 
ceived an  order  to  have  the  four  companies  at  that  place 
mounted,  and  by  a  bit  of  skillful  diplomacy  he  secured 
for  the  use  of  these  companies,  two  hundred  and  twen- 
ty-five of  the  celebrated  Spencer  Rifles — also  each  man 
was  supplied  with  one  of  Colt's  or  Remington's  revolvers. 
Horses  were  foraged  from  the  country.  Several  expedi- 
tions were  made  to  the  vicinity  of  Duck  River  for  this 
purpose.  In  a  very  brief  period,  the  four  companies 
were  mounted. 

From  that  time  until  the  regiment  was  ordered  to  the 
front,  the  duties  devolving  upon  the  men,  were  more 
severe  than  are  usually  experienced  by  troops  in  gar- 
rison. 

At  one  time  the  fojir  companies  at  Lavergne  were 
compelled  to  assist  in  patroling  the  railroad,  besides 
furnishing  details  for  fatigue  duty,  picket  duty,  scout- 
ing, and  being  engaged  in  the  work  of  getting  out 
railroad  ties. 

The  companies  at  the  stockades  were  similarly  em- 
ployed, save  that  they  had  no  scouting  to  do. 

It  would  take  up  more  space  than  I  have  at  my  com- 
mand to  give  detailed  sketches  of  the  many  interesting 
raids  that  were  made  by  detachments  of  the  regiment 
during  our  stay  at  Lavergne.  A  sketch  of  one  may  in- 
dicate what  others  were. 

On  the  9th  of  Nov.,  1863,  Gen.  Paine  commenced  a 
grand  guerilla  hunt,  using  the  troops  at  Gallatin  and  at 


40          HISTORY    OF   THE    102i)    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

other  points — as  many  as  could  be  spared.  A  -detach- 
ment of  the  102d,  one  hundred  and  thirty  mounted  men, 
commanded  by  Col.  Smith,  co-operated  from  Lavergnc. 

The  evening  of  the  ninth  we  marched  until  nine 
o'clock  through  the  cedar  brakes  in  Wilson  county. 
Halted  with  an  old  planter.  Took  breakfast  in  squads 
through  the  neighborhood.  Fared  sumptuously,  on  such 
luxuries  as  biscuits,  butter  and  milk.  Reached  Lebanon 
on  the  evening  of  the  10th.  Found  things  in  much  con- 
fusion. Citizens  evidently  had  not  expected  a  visit  from 
us  at  that  time. 

Lebanon  is  a  pretty  village.  Citizens  refined  and  hos- 
pitable, but  many  of  them  bitter  rebels.  The  ladies 
particularly  seemed  infatuated  with  the  dream  of  a 
Southern  confederacy.  The  fair  creatures  declared  they 
never  could  live  under  the  old  Government.  The  Con- 
federacy never  could  be  overthrown  until  the  last  man 
had  been  slain.  One  elderly  lady  pointed  her  bony  finger 
at  the  writer  and  said :  "  Mark  my  word,  this  war  will 
never  end  until  there  is  a  Southern  Confederacy."  But 
the  fine  rhetoric  of  the  ladies  was  not  sufficient  to  save  it. 

They  were  great  admirers  of  Gen.  John  H.  Morgan. 
A  citizen  stated  that  as  an  expression  of  their  admira- 
tion of  his  person  and  qualities,  many  of  them  had 
actually  blocked  his  way  when  riding  through  the 
streets,  and  with  their  scissors  clipped  portions  of  the 
mane  from  the  neck  of  a  beautiful  mare  which  he  rode — 
intending  to  preserve  the  horse  hair  as  a  memento  of 
their  beloved  General. 

Col.  Smith  was  appointed  Post  Commander,  and  with 
part  of  his  detachment  garrisoned  the  town,  while  the 
remainder  with  other  troops  continued  the  scout. 

Post  head-quarters  were  established  at  the  Court 
house  in  the  registrar's  office,  and  for  a  time  the  quiet 
village  of  Lebanon  was  the  scene  of  active  military 
operations. 

While  there,  General  Paine  came  into  the  Colonel's 
office  one  day,  and  a  liquor  dealer  was  brought  before 
him.  Gen.  P.  was  in  one  of  his  most  savage  moods, 
and  gave  us  the  following  specimens  of  his  invective 
style : 


GEN.    PAINE    AND    THE    LIQUOR   DEALEK.  41 

General.  I  understand  that  you  have  been  selling 
this  infernal  tangle-foot,  which  puts  the  devil  into  the 
minds  of  peaceable  citizens,  and  causes  them  to  rob  and 
murder  their  neighbors. 

Citizen.  I  have  been  selling  whiskey,  but  only  to 
citizens. 

General.  It  is  just  as  bad  to  sell  to  citizens  as  to  the 
rebel  soldiers,  for  whisky  turns  out  more  hell-born  rebels 
than  all  other  causes  put  together.  Now,  I  will  tell  you 
what  you  must  do — take  a  hatchet,  go  to  your  doggery, 
burst  in  the  head  of  every  whisky  barrel  you  have,  and 
pour  it  upon  the  ground.  Leave  not  a  drop — not  a 
spoonful  about  your  premises.  Perhaps  you  think  I  am 
not  in  earnest  ? 

Citizen.     I  have  no  reason  to  think  so. 

General.  And  more — if  I  learn  hereafter  that  you 
have  been  selling  whisky,  (and  I  will  know  it  if  you 
do)  I  will  make  a  bonfire  of  your  doggery,  and  I  will  tie 
you  up  by  your  thumbs  and  feed  you  on  bread  and 
water  for  forty-eight  hours.  I  will  dry  up  this  infernal 
traffic  even  if  compelled  to  use  fire-brands  and  hempen 
ropes. 

(Exit  citizen,  looking  pale  and  troubled.) 

While  our  forces  were  in  Lebanon  the  bodies  of  two 
bushwhackers  were  brought  into  town.  They  had  been 
killed  by  the  4th  Middle  Tennessee  Cavalry  in  retalia- 
tion for  the  murder  of  four  men  of  that  regiment  by 
guerrillas.  The  cavalrymen  declared  that  the  two  dead 
bushwhackers  were  but  "  two  out  of  forty  "  to  be  shot 
before  the  account  would  be  settled. 

General  Paine,  Col.  Smith  and  other  officers  of  rank 
were  hospitably  entertained  at  the  house  of  Col.  Price, 
during  the  occupation  of  the  town.  Col.  Price  had  been  a 
staunch  Union  man  from  the  beginning  of  the  secession 
movement,  and  at  one  time  was  compelled  to  leave  his 
home  on  account  of  his  principles. 

On  the  third  day  of  our  occupation,  the  scouting  par- 
ties came  in.  They  had  killed  about  a  dozen  bush- 
whackers, and  captured  as  many  as  twenty  rebel  soldiers. 


42  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

At  noon,  Nov.  10th,  Lebanon  was  relieved  of  its  Yankee 
garrison,  and  we  rode  through  thick  cedars  over  one  of 
the  most  rocky  roads  in  Wilson  county,  to  our  camp — 
distant  twenty-seven  miles.  Reached  Lavcrgne  at  8 
o'clock  p.  M. 

During  the  time  we  were  at  Lavergne,  Captain 
Win.  A.  Wilson  and  Surgeon  T.  S.  Stanway  became  the 
principal  actors  in  a  very  exciting  adventure. 

They  had  been  visiting  the  stockade  at  which  Co.  D 
was  stationed — ten  miles  from  Lavergne  in  the  direction 
of  Nashville.  At  dusk  they  set  out  for  camp.  It  was  a 
bright  moonlight  evening,  and  they  anticipated  a  pleas- 
ant ride — little  apprehending  that  more  than  a  score  of 
ruffians  were  lying  in  wait  for  them. 

When  nearly  half  way  to  camp,  riding  leisurely  along, 
in  the  shade  of  dense  cedars,  and  engaged  in  a  some- 
what animated  conversation,  they  were  confronted  by 
four  men  on  horse-back,  who  presented  revolvers  to 
their  heads  with  the  words : 

"  Surrender — you  are  our  prisoners." 

In  an  instant  Doctor  S.  had  his  pistol  to  his  eye,  and 
his  first  shot  was  fired  simultaneously  with  their  first 
volley.  Unluckily,  Capt.  Wilson's  pistols  were  buckled 
in  the  holsters  in  such  a  way  that  valuable  time  was  lost 
in  getting  them  out.  Meanwhile  the  bullets  of  the 
guerrillas  were  whistling  familiarly  about  the  ears  of  our 
officers.  One  clipped  the  handsome  whiskers  of  the 
Captain ;  another  grazed  his  temple.  At  the  Doctor's 
first  fire  one  of  the  scoundrels  threw  up  his  hands  and 
exclaimed,  "  I'm  hit." 

The  combatants  were  so  close  together  that  their  horses' 
heads  almost  touched  each  other  when  the  air'ray  com- 
menced. Others  of  the  guerrillas,  who  had  been  stationed 
at  the  roadside,  now  closed  in  upon  them.  The  Doctor 
was  blazing  away  at  them,  and  the  Captain  had  com- 
menced working  his  piece  in  good  earnest  when  a 
desperate  hand  to  hand  fight  ensued.  Doctor  S.  met 
one  of  them  at  arm's  length.  The  rebel  leveled  his  pistol 
at  the  Doctor's  head,  but  the  latter  struck  down  the 
pistol  with  his  own  an  instant  before  it  was  discharged  ; 
the  ball  however  entered  his  right  leg  and  shattered  it 


THK1LLIXG    ADVENTURE.  43 

alrnvc  the  knee.  Then  for  a  time  he  endeavored  to 
escape,  hut  feeling  that  his  wound  was  too  severe,  and 
that  lie  was  about  to  fall  from  his  horse,  he  steadied 
himself  to  the  ground  and  made  no  further  resistance. 

Seeing  the  hopelessness  of  continuing  the  struggle,  the 
Captain,  being  mounted  on  a  fleet  animal,  dashed  away 
down  the  pike,  the  balls  of  the  enemy  "  zipping  "  around 
him.  For  at  least  two  miles  the  desperate  race  contin- 
ued, the  bushwhackers  at  the  outset  riding  parallel  with 
him.  Repeatedly  the  Captain  fired  at  them  as  his  good 
steed  flew  along  the  pike.  At  length  he  began  to  gain 
upon  them  very  perceptibly,  when  a  shot  struck  his  horse 
in  the  tfiigh,  inflicting  a  severe  flesh  wound.  Still,  for  a 
time  he  increased  the  distance  that  separated  him  from 
his  pursuers,  and  had  got  beyond  their  view  when  the 
animal  faltered,  staggared  and  seemed  ready  to  fall. 
Dismounting  he  plunged  into  the  thick  cedars.  A  peace- 
able citizen,  who  met  him  the  moment  his  horse  failed, 
went  with  him,  and  seemed  equally  desirous  of  avoiding 
the  guerrillas.  They  proceeded  some  distance  and  halted 
in  an  obscure  place.  The  rebels  followed,  carefully 
searching  in  their  immediate  vicinity — then  retired.  All 
was  still.  They  ventured  to  change  their  position; — 
again  the  enemy  approached.  The  Captain  and  compan- 
ion laid  low  and  breathed  lightly.  Nearer  they  cam o, 
circling  around  their  would-be  victim,  and  cursing  then 
luck  in  losing  the  game.  The  Captain  had  given  his 
companion  one  of  his  pistols,  intending  to  "  sell  out"  as 
dearly  as  possible,  if  discovered.  Again  the  rebels  re- 
tired, and  the  two  fugitives  again  changed  their  position. 
Once  more  the  scoundrels  approached,  searched  dili- 
gently very  near  them,  but  finally  despairing  of  success, 
re  turned  to  their  horses  and  galloped  away. 

The  Captain  then  endeavored  to  reach  a  stockade 
about  two  miles  distant,  but  had  become  bewildered 
among  the  cedars,  and  discovering  that  he  was  utterly 
lost,  he  remained  in  the  woods  until  morning,  when  he 
came  into  camp.  Dr.  Stamvay  was  robbed  of  every- 
thing valuable  and  in  a  helpless  condition  was  left  upon 
the  ground.  While  the  guerrillas  were  taking  from  him 
his  overcoat,  vest,  dress-coat  and  watch,  they  upbraided 


44  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D   ILL.    IXFAXTKY    VOLS. 

him  for  his  stubbornness,  and  said  he  should  be  shot  for 
being  *<>  fool-hardy  as  to  fight  against  so  many.  Citi- 
zens living  near,  heard  the  tiring,  and  repairing  to  the 
place  after  it  was  over,  took  charge  of  the  Doctor. 

It  was  many  months  before  he  could  report  for  duty, 
and  his  wounded  limb  will  doubtless  trouble  him  through 
life. 

While  encamped  at  Stewart's  Creek  and  Lavergne, 
the  following  changes  took  place  in  the  regiment.  Capt. 
C.  H.  Jackson  became  Major,  vice  Major  L.  D.  Shinn, 
resigned.  Dr.  William  Hamilton  became  Surgeon  in 
Charge,  vice  Surgeon  D.  B.  Rice,  resigned.  Citizen 
Hobart  Hamilton  became  Regimental  Quarter-Master, 
vice  Lieut.  F.  H.  Rugar,  promoted  and  transferred. 

In  Co.  A,  1st  Lieut.  T.  H.  Andrews  was  promoted  to 
Captain,  vice  Capt.  Callaghan  resigned.  Sergeant 
M.  L.  Courtney  of  Co.  I,  was  transferred  to  Co.  A  and 
promoted  to  First  Lieut. 

In  Co.  F,  1st  Lieut.  G.  W.  Woolley  was  promoted  to 
Captain,  vice  C.  H.  Jackson,  who  had  become  Major. 
2d  Lieut.  Robert  S.  Peebles  then  became  First  Lieut. 

In  Co.  I,  by  the  resignation  or  dismissal  of  Capt. 
Geo.  H.  King,  1st  Lieut.  Ed.  H.  Conger  became  Captain. 
1st  Sergt.  D.  W.  Sheahan  was  promoted  to  1st  Lieut. 
2d  Lieut.  J.  L.  Bonneli  resigned. 

First  Lieut.  Hiram  Elliott  became  Captain  of  Co.  II, 
vice  L.  D.  Shinn,  who  had  been  promoted  to  position  of 
Major.  2d  Lieut.  John  Thomas  became  1st  Lieut.,  and 
1st  Sergt.  Samuel  Tucker  was  promoted  to  2d  Lieut. 

In  Co.  B,  2d  Lieut.  Ambrose  Stegall  was  promoted  to 
First  Lieut.,  vice  J.  C.  Be s wick  resigned. 


DEPARTURE  FROM  LAVERGNE.  45 


CHAPTER  V. 

Rumors  of  a  move  to  the  Front.     The  Citizens  protest 
— in  vain.  ;  The  march. 

About  the  beginning  of  February,  1864,  rumors  be- 
came rife  in  camp  that  our  brigade  would  soon  be 
transferred  to  the  front. 

The  regiment  had  remained  so  long  at  Lavergne  that 
the  thought  of  leaving  was  not  unlike  the  thought  of 
leaving  home.  The  citizens  had  been  kind  to  us,  and 
our  boys  loved  the  comparatively  free  life  they  were 
leading,  and  some  of  them  doubtless  were  in  love  with 
the  charming  Tennessee  lasses  who  abounded  in  that 
vicinity. 

But  at  length  the  order  came.  Immediately  the  citi- 
zens circulated  a  petition  asking  the  military  authorities 
to  permit  us  to  remain  as  a  garrison  for  the  Post.  The 
reader  will  pardon  the  introduction  of  the  petition  here, 
when  I  assure  him  that  it  contains  several  important 
declarations  which  I  consider  true,  but  would  not  have 
made  on  my  own  authority !  Here  it  is : 

"  MAJOR  GENERAL  THOMA?,  Comdg.  Dept.  of  the  Cumberland: 

SIR:  We,  the  undersigned  citizens  of  Rutherford,  Davidson  and 
Wilson  counties,  residing  in  the  vicinity  of  Lavergne,  Tenn.,  here- 
by earnestly  and  respectfully  request  that  the  102d  Illinois  Vols.  be 
permitted  to  remain  in  its  present  position,  if  consistent  with  the 
good  of  the  service,  for  the  following  reasons: 

They  have — officers  and  men — ever  conducted  themselves  aa  gen- 
tlemen. 

The  country  has  been  rid  of  bushwhackers,  thieves  and  highway 
robbers,  by  their  vigilance. 

Justice  has  been  done  the  citizens,  and  the  good  of  the  service 
generally  been  promoted  under  their  able,  just  and  judicious  com- 
mander, Col.  Smith. 

We  feel  that  to  retain  him  and  his  command  here  will  insure  a 
continuance  of  peace,  quiet,  and  good  will  in  this  vicinity." 

(Signed)  MA>*Y  CITIZENS. 


46  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

In  oberlicncc  to  the  dictates  of  the  weather,  which 
\v;is  very  inclement,  the  movement  was  temporarily  sus- 
pended, but  the  military  powers  were  inexorable,  and  on 
Thursday  the  25th  of  Feb.,  positive  orders  were  received 
to  be  in  readiness  to  move  at  an  early  hour  the  follow- 
ing morning.  The  70th  Indiana,  79th  Oh;o,  129th  and 
105th  Illinois  regiments  marched  from  Nashville  to  La- 
vergne  on  the  25th. 

On  Friday  morning,  February  26th,  the  102d  aban- 
doned the  pleasant  little  village  of  log  huts  and  marched 
with  the  brigade  towards  the  front — the  men  carrying 
shelter  tents  for  their  future  homes  as  soldiers.  Hither- 
to, excepting  brief  periods,  our  soldiering  had  been  of 
the  most  agreeable  character,  so  far  as  physical  comfort 
is  considered.  Thenceforward  we  were  destined  to 
march  through  shadows  as  well  as  sunlight.  At  that 
time  six  companies  of  the  regiment  were  mounted. 
They  were  permitted  to  retain  their  horses  until  further 
orders, 

Co.  I,  then  commanded  by  Lieut.  I>.  W.  Sheahan,  was 
detailed  as  body  guard  for  Gen.  Ward,  who  was  in  com- 
mand of  the  division, 

At  the  risk  of  being  monotonous,  I  will,  for  the  satis- 
faction of  the  soldiers  who  were  there,  give  a  brief 
sketch  of  each  day's  march. 

The  brigade  camped  a  short  distance  south  of  Mur- 
ireesboro',  in  the  afternoon  of  the  first  day — Feb.  26th. 

Resumed  the  march  at  an  early  hour  next  morning ; 
passed  through  a  sterile  region  and  went  into  camp 
thirteen  miles~south  of  Murfreesboro'. 

Left  camp  on  the  28th  at  five  o'clock  A.  M.  ;  roads  very 
dusty.  By  noon  reached  Shelbyville — a  pretty  little 
village  of  about  one  thousand  inhabitants,  the  county 
seat  of  Bedford  county.  Crossed  Duck  river  at  Shelby- 
ville and  camped  three  miles  south  of  the  stream. 
Marched  sixteen  miles.  Rain  commenced  falling  before 
the  camp  was  established,  and  continued  to  fall  all  night. 

February  29th  was  a  cold,  cheerless,  rainy  day.  The 
troops  moved  at  sunrise ;  marched  fourteen  miles  and 
reached  Tullahoma — an  insignificant  railroad  station. 
That  night  a  small  stream  near  the  camp  overflowed  its 


EXECUTE  FOR  THE  FRONT.  47 

banks  and  submerged  a  portion  of  the  camping  ground, 
filling  most  of  the  tents  with  water  to  the  depth  of  six 
inches.  It  was  a  wretched  night ;  cold  and  very  dark. 
The  men  could  build  no  fires  as  wood  could  not  be  ob- 
tained. 

Moved  March  1st  to  a  new  encampment  a  mile  and  a 
half  east  of  the  town,  contiguous  to  an  abandoned  line 
of  rebel  fortifications.  It  rained  the  greater  part  of  the 
day. 

Resumed  the  march  at  nine  o'clock  A.  ST.  March  2d. 
Passed  through  a  poor,  flat  and  thinly  settled  region 
and  camped  near  Elk  river,  nine  miles  from  Tullahoma. 
The  night  was  cold,  and  the  men  made  themselves  com- 
fortable by  building  large  fires  in  front  of  their  tents. 

The  troops  moved  at  eight  o'clock  A.  M.,  March  3d. 
Passed  through  Dechard,  and  went  into  camp  at  Cowan 
Station,  ten  miles  from  Elk  river. 

March  4th,  passed  over  the  Raccoon  Mountains — a 
spur  of  the  Cumberland  range.  Owing  to  a  blunder  of 
the  officer  in  command  of  the  advance  guard,  the  troops 
marched  some  distance  on  the  wrong  road,  and  were 
compelled  to  retrace  their  steps.  Reached  Tantallon  in 
the  afternoon  and  went  into  camp,  seven  miles  from 
Cowan  Station.  A  heavy  rain  fell  during  the  night. 

The  troops  remained  in  camp  on  the  5th  until  two 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  then  marched  three  miles.  The 
102d  was  assigned  a  beautiful  camp  on  a  hill  that  over- 
looked the  other  regiments  of  the  brigade.  The  many 
camp  fires  twinkling  at*  night  in  the  valley  and  on  sur- 
rounding hills  rendered  the  scene  very  beautiful. 

Marched  fourteen  miles  on  the  6th,  and  reached  Steven- 
son, Alabama. 

Passed  through  Stevenson  on  the  7th,  marched  eleven 
miles  and  went  into  camp  near  Bridgeport  on  the  Ten- 
nessee river. 

Remained  in  camp  during  the  8th.  Marched  next 
morning  through  Bridgeport  and  across  the  Tennessee, 
passed  Shell  Mound,  followed  up  the  river  and  passed 
from  Alabama  into  Tennessee.  Camped  thirteen  miles 
from  Bridgeport 


48  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

Followed  up  Falling  Water  Creek  on  the  10th.  Passed 
Whitesidc  station  and  Sand  Mountain.  Marched  twelve 
miles:  reached  Wauhatchie  Valley  at three  o'clock  p.  M., 
and  the  tedious  march  was  over.  There  the  troops  \vcro 
to  rest  preparatory  to  a  general  movement  against  Gen. 
Joe  Johnston's  rebel  army. 

While  the  regiment  was  encamped  in  the  valley,  the 
weather  was  much  of  the  time  very  cold,  and  on  the  22d 
of  March  an  extraordinary  fall  of  snow  took  place.  It 
commenced  about  two  o'clock  in  the  morning;  before 
noon  the  ground  was  covered  to  the  depth  of  a  foot. 
Such  an  immense  fall  of  snow,  in  the  spring  season,  so 
far  down  in  the  Sunny  South  must  have  been  a  novelty 
to  the  oldest  inhabitant. 

Snowballing  became  for  a  brief  period,  an  all  exciting 
pastime  in  camp. 

A  few  days  of  alternate  rain  and  sunshine  sufficed  to 
leave  the  earth  bare  again. 

A  grand  review  took  place  on  the  19th.  Major  Gens. 
Howard  and  Hooker  were  the  chief  reviewing  officers. 

The  men  were  much  occupied  during  the  last  weeks  of 
March,  in  constructing  and  beautifying  their  quarters. 
The  month  of  April  was  occupied  in  active  military  ex- 
ercises. 

There  were  daily  drills,  company  and  battalion.  Dress 
parade  each  day.  Regimental  inspection  every  few 
days.  Brigade  drill  almost  every  day,  and  occasionally 
division  drill.  Our  regiment  had  an  officer's  school,  and 
our  enterprising  chaplain,  as  if  .to  vary  the  monotonous 
routine,  commenced  a  phonographic  school. 

Officers  and  men  improved  the  opportunity  while  at 
Wauhatchie  to  ascend  Lookout  Mountain.  The  scene 
from  the  summit  is  said  to  be  grand  beyond  description. 
The  eye  roams  until  wearied  over  vast  plains,  varied  by 
occasional  elevations  which  seem  in  their  dim  and  shad- 
owy outlines,  to  be  the  boundaries  of  some  fairy  land. 

From  the  highest  elevation  on  old  Lookout,  the  terri- 
tory of  seven  States  come  within  the  range  of  vision. 

On  the  14th  of  April  there  was  a  grand  review  of  the 
Division  by  Maj.  Gen.  Thomas. 


A    BEAUTIFUL    EXCA.MPMENT.  49 

An  order  was  received  on  the  16th  announcing  that 
our  brig.rL'  would,  until  further  orders,  be  known  as  the 
1st  Brigade  of  the  3d  Division,  20th  Army  Corps,  the 
llth  and  12th  Corps  having  been  consolidated,  forming 
the  20th — -Maj.  Gen.  Joseph  Hooker  commanding, — Maj. 
Gen.  Daniel  Butterfield  commanding  the  Division,  and 
Brig.  Gen.  AY.  T.  Ward,  the  Brigade. 

While  at  Wauhatchie,  the  mounted  companies  of  the 
regiment  gave  up  their  horses,  in  accordance  with  orders 
from  Corps  Head-Quarters.  An  order  was  also  received 
directing  the  regiment  to  turn  over  the  Spencer  Rifles  to 
an  ordnance  officer,  and  draw  Springfield  Rifled  Muskets. 
Want  of  time  prevented  the  execution  of  this  order 
previous  to  the  commencement  of  the  Atlanta  Campaign. 
After  that  time  it  was  inexpedient  to  make  the  change. 

The  camp  at  Wauhatchie  Valley  will  be  remembered 
as  the  most  beautiful  and  romantic  that  the  regiment 
ever  occupied.  The  scenery  was  grand.  Old  Lookout 
Mountain  loomed  up  magnificently  a  short  distance  east- 
ward, the  clouds  wreathing  themselves  around  her 
rugged  summit;  her  sides  covered  with  a  dense  growth 
of  cedars  and  pines. 

As  if  in  rivalry  with  nature,  the  different  regiments  of 
the  brigade  surpassed  all  previous  ideas  of  taste  and  ele- 
gance in  decorating  their  encampments. 

The  camp  of  the  102d  was  on  a -small  table-land,  just 
large  enough  for  one  regiment.  It  was  laid  off  with 
great  care.  The  houses  were  of  a  uniform  size;  the 
streets  were  graded  and  macadamized.  Elegant  arches, 
made  of  cedar  boughs,  were  put  up  in  the  quarters  of 
each  company.  Inwoven  with  the  arches  were  various 
beautiful  designs.  One  bore  the  names  "Grant" 
— "  Sherman  " — "  Thomas," — arrainged  in  a  triangle. 
Another  bore  Masonic  emblems, — the  compass,  square, 
etc.  A  large  eagle  was  represented  beneath  one  of  the 
arches,  apparently  in  the  act  of  flying.  Among  other 
beautiful  objects  a  pulpit  was  prominent.  It  was  erected 
in  open  air,  and  was  a  perfect  model  of  taste  and  inge- 
nuity. The  design  was  very  similar  to  that  of  an 
ordinary  church  pulpit,  with  columns  at  each  side.  Be- 
tween the  columns  was  a  cross.  The  cross  and  the  columns 


50  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY   VOLS. 

wore  wreathed  with  evergreens.  The  flag  and  banner 
were  drooped  in  elegant  folds  at  each  side  of  the  cross. 
The  back  part  of  the  pulpit  was  elegantly  wreathed. 
The  floor  and  steps  were  carpeted  with  green  boughs. 
The  pulpit  was  constructed  for  Rev.  Mr.  Ryder,  of  the 
First  Universalist  Church,  Chicago.  It  was  occupied 
by  him  on  one  occasion.  Subsequently  it  was  occupied 
by  other  ministers. 

A  chapel  was  also  built,  and  services  wejre  held  in  it  each 
Sabbath,  and  sometimes  during  the  week.  The  camp 
was  visited  by  Major  Generals  Thomas,  Howard,  Hooker 
and  Butterfield ;  all  of  whom  expressed  their  admiration  of 
the  taste  and  skill  exhibited  in  decorating  the  quarters. 

It  would  hardly  be  supposed  that  sofdiers,  who  are 
usually  considered  very  rough  specimens  of  humanity, 
could  exhibit  such  a  flne  appreciation  of  the  beautiful, 
but  that  lovely  camp,  embowered  among  the  arches 
seemed  more  like  the  abode  of  fairies  than  of  "boys 
in  blue." 


THE    ATLANTA    CAMPAIGN.  51 


CHAPTER  VI. 

The  first  Campaign.  Distant  Artillery  firing — Mut- 
ter ings  of  the  Coming  Storm.  On  a  Flank  Movement. 
Snake  Creek  Gap.  The  Enemy  in  front.  "Among 
the  Pines."  Sharp  Firing  in  front.  The  First  Day 
at  Resaca.  BATTLE  OF  RESACA. 

With  the  beginning  of  May,  the  grand  Atlanta  Cam- 
paign commenced. 

It  is  said  that  some  of  the  rebels  afterwards  declared, 
"  Old  Sherman  ascended  to  the  top  of  Lookout  Moun- 
tain, gave  the  command,  ' Attention!  creation!  by 
kingdom  right  wheel— ^march !'  and 

The  Yankees  '  came  down  like  the  wolf  on  the  fold  !' " 

The  brigade  moved  on  the  morning  of  May  2d,  at 
half-past  6  o'clock ;  passed  around  the  point  of  Lookout 
Mountain,  and  through  Rossville,  over  the  Chickamauga 
battle-ground,  camping  a  mile  beyond,  near  Lee's  and 
Gordon's  Mills.  Continued  the  march  on  the  4th,  the 
102d  acting  as  train  guard.  Camped  a  mile  and  a  half 
from  Ringgold  at  Pleasant  Grove  Church.  Moved  again 
on  the  6th,  and  went  into  camp  that  night  at  Leed's 
Farm,  near  Nickajack  Trace. 

The  camp  was  aroused  May  7th,  at  two  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  and  the  troops  moved  at  five.  Marched  seven 
miles,  to  Taylor's  Ridge — a  precipitous  range  of  hills,  or 
mountains.  Crossed  the  ridge,  and  camped  in  a  dense 
body  of  timber  near  Villanow.  At  that  place  we  re- 
mained until  the  llth.  During  the  intermediate  time 
there  were  frequent  skirmishes  between  the  two  armies. 
Our  own  pickets  had  a  brush  with  a  number  of  the 
enemy  on  the  8th,  and  the  same  day  a  part  of  Geary's 
Division  had  a  sharp  fight,  losing  over  two  hundred  men 
killed  and  wounded.  There  was  heavy  cannonading  on 
the  9th,  in  the  direction  of  Dalton. 


52  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    IXFANTRY    TOLS. 

Moved  again  on  the  llth  of  May,  at  a  quarter  past 
4  o'clock,  A.  M.  Marched  twelve  miles  and  entered  Snake 
Creek  Gap,  a  narrow  pass  between  lofty  ranges  of  the 
Chattoogata  Mountains.  Pitched  our  tents  in  the  valley 
and  on  the  mountain  side.  It  was  a  romantic  locality. 

The  lofty  mountains  towered  on  either  hand  hundreds 
of  feet  above  us,  their  summits  and  slopes  covered  with 
a  dense  growth  of  timber.  Thousands  of  troops  were 
camped  in  the  valley,  and  there  was  a  steady  tramp  of 
columns  inarching  to  the  front. 

The  scene  from  an  elevated  position  on  the  mountain 
side,  the  evening  of  the  llth,  when  night  was  settling 
over  the  earth,  and  the  surrounding  hills  were  dimly 
outlined  in  the  gathering  gloom,  was  strangely  beautiful. 
The  white  tents  of  the  soldiers  dotted  the  narrow  valley, 
and  their  fires  gleamed  through  the  foliage  of  intervening 
trees..  Dusky  forms  flitted  to  and  fro  about  the  camp 
fires,  and  a  hum  of  voices  came  to  the  ear,  in  a  monoto- 
nous sound  that  grew  less  audible*as  the  night  advanced. 
Above  the  hum  of  voices  could  be  heard  the  constant 
rumbling  of  the  wagon  trains  moving  towards  the  front. 
At  length  the  clear  notes  of  a. bugle  sounded  tattoo,  then 
others  took  up  the  strain  and  were  quickly  followed  by 
the  crashing  roll  of  the  drums. 

But  our  feelings  at  that  time  were  not  all  of  a  sublime 
character.  The  stern  realities  of  an  active  campaign 
subjected  us  to  privations  that  we  had  never  endured 
before.  Transportation  was  limited,  and  many  of  the 
soldiers  had  nothing  in  the  world  with  them  save  one 
suit  of  clothes,  a  rubber  blanket  and  a  shelter  tent — 
vulgarly  termed  a  "purp"  tent.  On  their  rubber  blanket 
beneath  the  shelter  tent,  they  slept  without  removing 
their  clothes,  day  after  day  and  week  after  week. 

Privations  which  at  one  time  would  have  caused  them 
to  murmur,  were  looked  upon  as  mere  trifles,  and  a  spirit 
of  cheerfulness  and  hopefulness  pervaded  all  minds. 

While  encamped  there,  a  number  of  the  soldiers 
ascended  the  mountain  on  the  left  of  the  gap.  With 
Adjutant  J.  H.  Snyder,  the  writer  climbed  one  of  the 
highest  peaks  of  this  mountain,  and  looked  down  into  the 
valley  of  the  Oostanaula  River.  We  observed  occasional 


SXAKE    CKEEK    GAP.  53 

"  clearings "  in  the  valley,  and  connected  with  these 
were  dwelling  houses,  which  appeared  in  the  distance 
like  small,  white  tents.  Everything  was  represented  in 
miniature. 

The  use  of  a  field  glass  enabled  us  to  obtain  a  very 
distinct  view  of  the  range  of  mountains  beyond  the  val- 
ley, and  other  mountains  far  away  southward  and  west- 
ward— the  lofty  ranges  rising  hill  above  hill  in  beautiful 
succession,  and  at  various  points  culminating  in  solitary 
peaks. 

Some  miles  away  eastward  a  rebel  wagon  train  was 
seen,  in  park.  We  felt  as  we  looked  over  the  broad 
valley  that  we  were  viewing  the  land  of  the  enemy — soon, 
however,  to  be  our  own. 

Our  Brigade  was  detained  during  part  of  the  llth 
and  12th  of  May  in  the  gap,  to  cut  out  and  prepare  a 
new  road  through  the  woods.  During  the  afternoon  of  the 
12th  we  marched  five  miles  and  camped  near  the  mouth 
of  the  Gap. 

There  had  been  some  fighting  in  the  direction  of  Dai- 
ton,  and  at  intervals  the  low  and  sullen  "boom"  of 
distant  cannon  was  heard,  almost  due  north  of  us. 

The  20th  Corps  had  successfully  accomplished  the 
flank  movement  through  Snake  Creek  Gap,  and  was 
now  well  established  in  a  strong  position,  threatening  the 
left  flank  of  the  enemy. 

Friday  morning,  May  13th,  we  moved  in  a  direction 
to  the  right  of  Ilesaca,  around  which  place  the  rebels 
had  entrenched  themselves,  and  were  ready  to  give  us 
battle.  The  cavalry  which  had  been  thrown  out  in  ad- 
vance, became  engaged  with  the  enemy's  videttes  at  an 
early  hour,  and  we  soon  learned  that  Gen.  Kilpatrick 
had  been  wounded  and  borne  to  the  rear.  The  rebels 
were  stubborn.  In  the  afternoon  the  infantry  was  pushed 
forward  to  "  feel "  the  enemy,  and  develope  his  position 
and  strength. 

We  advanced  through  groves  of  young  pines — the 
most  dense  we  had  yet  seen. 

Among  the  pines,  in  line  of  battle  !  How  indeliby  the 
scene  is  fixed  in  memory.  What  soldier  of  Sherman's 


54  HISTORY    OF    THE    102l>    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

army  can  view,  even  at  this  day,  a  grove  of  young  pines 
without  having  those  days  of  carnage  and  death  recalled 
to  mind  ? 

Slowly  the  enemy's  skirmish  line  was  pressed  hack  In- 
cur skirmishers,  and  late  in  the  afternoon  the  skirmishers 
in  front  of  the  15th  Corps  approached,  and  finally 
charged  and  captured  a  redoubt  with  two  guns. 

Our  Division  had  been  separated  from  the  other  divis- 
ions of  the  Corps,  and  was  formed  on  the  right  of  the 
14th  Corps.  The  advance  was  continued  at  intervals 
until  dusk.  Halting  in  an  open  field  at  the  base  of  a 
range  of  hills  we  rested  awhile,  and  ate  a  hastily  pre- 
pared supper.  After  dark,  moved  on  by  a  circuitous 
route,  quietly  and  carefully,  into  lino  of  battle,  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  hill.  The  position  of  the  enemy  had 
now  been  fully  developed.  Only  a  narrow  valley  sepa- 
rated their  line  from  ours.  They  had  been  hard  pressed 
during  the  day,  and  perceived  the  necessity  of  construct- 
ing strong  defensive  works.  As  we  formed  in  line,  the 
busy  click,  click,  click  of  their  axes  could  be  distinctly 
heard,  and  they  seemed  to  be  working  for  dear  life.  We 
occupied  a  ravine  which  ran  parallel  with  the  hill,  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  feet  above  its  base.  Companies 
E  and  G  were  sent  out  as  skirmishers  during  the  night. 
Capt.  McManus  had  command  of  the  line,  and  was  as- 
sisted by  Capt.  Sedwick.  Both  most  excellent  men — 
the  former,  daring  almost  to  a  fault,  the  latter,  perfectly 
cool  and  collected  in  any  position  of  danger.  It  is 
related  of  Capt.  S.  that  on  that  occasion  it  became  nec- 
essary at  one  time  for  him  to  pass  from  post  to  post  in  a 
very  exposed  position,  in  plain  view  of  the  enemy,  and 
as  their  balls  raised  the  dust  about  his  feet,  the  only  per- 
ceptible change  in  his  manner  consisted  in  the  more 
rapid  puffing  of  the  smoke  from  his  pipe. 

Early  in  the  morning  a  dash  forward  to  Camp  Creek 
was  made.  IJeing  then  mere  novices  in  the  art  of  war- 
fare, many  of  the  men  took  up  positions  where  they  were 
quite  at  the  mercy  of  the  enemy,  and  were  compelled  to 
remain  behind  stumps  and  trees  all  day — an  attempt  to 
ex-ape  being  equivalent  to  certain  death.  It  wa<  an 
exciting  day  on  the  skirmish  line;  firing  commenced  at 
daylight,  and  was  kept,  up  until  dark. 


FIRST    DAY    AT    RE  SAC  A.  55 

At  one  time  the  enemy  endeavored  to  flank  the  line, 
and  Capt.  Sod  wick  discovering  the  movement  from  his 
position  in  front,  recrossed  the  field  to  his  reserve,  and 
with  them  advanced  on  the  left  and  drove  the  enemy 
back.  Meanwhile  there  was  heavier  work  on  the  left. 
The  skirmishing  had  been  lively  in  that  direction  all  the 
forenoon,  but  at  2  o'clock  p.  M.  the  firing  became 
terrific.  There  was  a  perpetual  rol^of  musketry,  and 
the  deep  bass  of  the  artillery  reverberated  grandly 
through  the  woods,  and  was  echoed  back  by  the  sur- 
rounding hills. 

At  that  time  we  were  ordered  forward,  and  the  mo- 
ment we  appeared  on  the  little  elevation  in  front  of  the 
ravine,  the  rebel  sharpshooters  sent  their  balls  whistling 
around  us,  killing  one  man  instantly  and  wounding  three. 
Having  proceeded  a  short  distance,  we  were  ordered  to 
halt  and  lie  down. 

The  object  doubtless  was  to  make  a  feint  of  attacking, 
in  order  to  divert  the  attention  of  the  enemy  from  the 
left. 

No  further  advance  was  attempted,  and  we  remained 
in  that  position  until  late  in  the  evening,  listening  occas- 
ionally to  the  whizzing  of  bullets  above  our  heads,  but 
more  deeply  interested  in  the  fierce  conflict  on  our  left. 
The  sound  at  times  would  run  along  the  line  towards  us, 
until  it  would  seem  that  our  Corps  must  soon,  also,  be- 
come engaged,  then  it  would  recede,  and  there  would  be 
a  lull,  like  the  lulling  of  the  winds  in  a  winter  storm. 

Sometimes  it  would  seem  that  our  men  were  driving 
the  rebels,  and  again  it  appeared  that  the  battle  was 
going  against  us.  O !  how  terrible  the  suspense  of 
Availing  at  such  a  time  for  victory,  -while  contemplating 
the  possibility  of  disaster  ! 

The  sound  of  the  battle  at  its  height  could  only  be 
campared  in  iny  mind  to  the  work  of  a  storm,  breaking 
and  crushing  to  the  ground,  ten  thousand  dead  trees 
every  instant,  amid  the  roll  of  heaven's  artillery. 

A  battery  about  fifty  yards  to  the  left  of  our  regiment 
was  kept  busy  throwing  shot  and  shell  into  the  rebel 
lines,  but  the  guns  of  the  enemy  were  engaged  where 
the  contest  raged  more  fiercely,  and  they  paid  no  atten- 
tion to  this  battery. 


56  HISTORY    OF   THE    102D    ILL.    IXFAXTRY   VOL8. 

Towards  evening  the  sounds  of  battle  died  away,  and 
finally  dwindled  down  to  the  irregular  firing  of  the  skir- 
mishers. At  dusk  we  retired  to  our  position  in  the 
ravine.  The  regiment  had  lost  during  the  day  three 
men  killed,  and  nineteen  wounded. 

Late  at  night  the  camp  was  hushed  in  repose,  and 
beneath  the  lovely  foliage  of  the  trees  we  slept  sweetly — 
but  ere  we  slept,  vac  looked  up  through  our  leafy  cover- 
ing to  the  bright  stars  that  twinkled  so  peacefully  in  the 
calm  blue  sky,  and  thought  of  other  and  distant  skies  of 
peace — of  those  far  away,  as  dear  to  us  as  life — and 
thought  of  the  morrow. 

At  2  o'clock  next  morning  we  were  aroused,  and 
ordered  to  resume  the  advance  position  that  had  been 
abandoned  the  evening  before.  During  the  time  inter- 
vening before  day  light,  slight  breast-works  were  thrown 
up — the  first  we  ever  built. 

The  morning  of  Sunday,  May  15,  1864,  dawned  luridly 
upon  us.  The  smoke  of  innumerable  camp  fires  had 
enveloped  hill  and  valley  in  a"  hazy  mantle. 

At  six  o'clock  we  were  ordered  to  move  around  to  the 
left  of  the  14th  Army  Corps. 

Quietly  we  marched  back  over  the  hill,  and  through 
the  shadowy  forest,  almost  feeling  the  death-like  still- 
ness of  that  memorable  Sabbath  morning.  And  how 
like  entering  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  seemed 
our  march  down  through  the  smoky  atmosphere  into  the 
deep  valley,  and  around  to  our  new  position  confronting 
the  enemy. 

Our  Division  had  been  selected  for  the  desperate  work 
of  charging  a  rebel  battery,  which  was  supported  by  a 
strong  force  of  the  enemy  behind  entrenchments.  The 
ulterior  object  was  to  break  the  enemy's  line  at  that 
point,  and  thereby  cut  the  rebel  army  in  twain. 

The  1st  Brigade  was  ordered  to  make  the  assault, 
while  the  other  brigades  of  the  division  were  to  be  held 
in  easy  supporting  distance.  The  brigade  was  formed 
in  column  by  regiments,  right  in  front,  as  follows  :  70th 
Indiana,  102d  Illinois,  Y9th  Ohio,  129th  Illinois,  105th 
Illinois.  The  men  had  previously  unslung  knapsacks  and 
left  them  in  charge  of  a  guard. 


BATTLE    OF    RESACA.  57 

There  was  evidently  some  warm  work  to  be  done. 
At  first  the  real  design  of  the  movement  was  known  only 
to  a  few,  but  when  the  column  was  formed,  the  men 
were  ordered  to  fix  bayonets,  and  as  the  ominous  click 
ran  along  the  line  the  nature  of  the  task  before  us 
became  apparent.  Thought  was  busy  then,  and  all  faces 
seemed  a  shade  paler. 

The  distance  from  the  point  where  the  charging  col- 
umn was  formed  to  the  enemy's  line,  was  about  six 
hundred  yards.  A  valley  lay  between,  and  their  works 
were  upon  the  crest  of  a  hill  beyond.  A  heavy  growth 
of  young  pines  covered  all  the  hills  and  completely 
masked  their  position. 

At  length  about  half-past  eleven  o'clock  the  command 
"  forward  "  ran  along  the  line,  and  the  column  quickly 
moved  down  the  hillside.  Simultaneously  with  the 
beginning  of  the  movement  the  rebels  opened  fire. 
Then  "  forward  !"  was  the  word  shouted  and  repeated 
by  almost  every  tongue.  And  a  wild,  prolonged  battle 
yell  that  swelled  from  all  lips,  arose  distinct  and  terrific 
above  the  roar  of  battle,  as  down  into  the  valley  and 
across  the  open  field — where  death  rode  on  every  pass- 
ing breeze — then  up  the  hillside  where  the  twigs  and 
branches  of  the  young  pines  were  clipped  by  the  bullets 
like  corn  blades  in  a  hail  storm — the  charging  columns 
moved — not  in  regular  lines,  but  enmasse,  disorganized 
by  the  inequalities  of  the  ground  and  the  dense  growth 
of  pines — on  to  the  summit,  towards  the  rebel  cannons 
which  belched  forth  fire,  grape-shot  and  shell  to  the  last 
instant — men  dropping  dead  and  wounded  on  every 
hand — into  the  earthworks  surrounding  the  guns,  and 
the  guns  were  ours. 

All  of  the  regiments  in  the  brigade  were  repre- 
sented within  the  earthwork.  But  the  position  was 
occupied  only  for  an  instant.  The  rebel  line  had  been 
pierced — not  broken.  On  the  right  and  on  the  left  of 
the  redoubt,  which  formed  a  salient  in  their  position,  their 
line  was  intact.  They  opened  a  withering  cross  fire 
and  our  men  fell  back  to  a  position  immediately  in  front 
of  the  redoubt,  commanding  the  guns. 


58  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFAMKY    VOLS. 

At  that  time  sonic  one  yelled  out  that  the  order  was 
to  retreat,  and  many  retired  to  the  foot  of  the  hill. 
They  were  there  re-organi/.ed  and  marehed  to  another 
part  of  the  iield.  Most  of  those  who  remained  had  heard 
no  order  to  retire,  and  were  sanguine  that  the  position 
could  be  held.  Protected  in  a  m-easiire  by  the  rebel 
redoubt,  and  sheltered  somewhat  by  trees  and  logs,  our 
men  kept  up  a  steady  fire  all  the  afternoon.  But  the 
rebel  fire  was  more  active.  They  were  protected  by  an 
excellent  line  of  works — fired  low — and  their  balls  cut 
close  around,  occasionally  killing  or  wounding  a  man. 

In  the  squad  which  held  the  position,  several  regiments 
were  represented.  If  any  fresh  columns  moved  up  the 
hill  they  did  not  reach  the  vicinity  of  the  guns.  To- 
wards evening  it  was  feared  the  battery  would  be 
retaken.  One  by  one  the  men  began  to  retire,  notwith- 
standing the  expostulations  of  those  who  remained. 
After  dark  the  enemy  opened  a  sharp  fire,  &8  if  menacing 
a  charge  to  retake  the  guns.  A  volley  was  fired  in 
return  ;  the  boys  yelled  out  a  defiant  cheer,  and  one 
shouted  to  the  Johnnies:  "Come  over  and  take  your 
brass  field  pieces  !" 

Kelp  had  been  sent  for,  and  at  length  we  heard  music 
in  the  valley  below.  Sweet  as  the  music  of  heaven, 
soothing  the  soul  after  the  harrowing,  discordant  day  of 
battle. 

Inwoven  with  our  very  beings,  the  ecstatic  sensations 
of  that  moment,  when  the  soft,  plaintive,  but  cheering 
notes  of  a  field  band  were  borne  to  our  ears,  will  live 
in  memory  forever. 

We  learned  afterwards,  however,  that  the  music  did 
not  herald  the  approach  of  a  relieving  column — but  re- 
lief soon  came.  About  ten  o'clock  in  the  evening  a 
strong  force  marched  into  position  immediately  in  front 
of  the  earthwork  The  guns — four  in  number — were 
held  and  brought  oil'  that  night.  They  were  handsome 
pieces — brass,  twelve  pounders.  One  of  them  was 
named  "  Minnie,  the  Belle  of  Alabama." 

When  the  relieving  column  came,  those  of  the  regi- 
ment who  had  remained  on  the  iield  marched  to  the 
rear. 


BATTLE    OF    RESACA.  59 

The  day's  work  was  over,  and  we  were  satisfied  with 
the  record  the  10'2d  had  made. 

In  the  charge,  the  Regiment  was  gallantly  led  by  Col. 
F.  C.  Smith,  .who  went  into  the  fort  among  the  first  of 
those  who  braved  the  storm  of  leaden  hail  that  swept 
our  ranks  away  at  that  point. 

In  retiring,  and  proceeding  to  another  part  of  the  field, 
that  portion  of  the  regiment  which  left,  after  having 
charged  into  the  rebel  redoubt,  was  actuated  by  the 
belief  that  the  assault  was  a  failure,  and  also  acted  in 
conformity  to  orders. 

Conspicuous  among  the  officers  who  remained,  was 
Capt.  Hiram  Elliott,  of  Co.  H,  who  lost  one  of  two  sons 
that  went  into  the  battle  with  him. 

Lieut.  Col.  J.  M.  Mannon,  who  had  exhibited  much  dar- 
ing in  the  first  onset,  remained  on  the  ground  until  after 
nightfall. 

('apt.  Dan  AY.  Sedwick  was  also  there;  cool,  collected 
and  busy,  as  usual. 

Adjutant  J.  H.  Snyder  and  Lieut.  A.  H.  Trego — com- 
panions always — remained  together  at  the  post  of  danger. 
The  latter  commanded  company  C,  in  the  fight. 

Among  the  company  commanders  who  fought  with 
gallantry,  Capt,  McManus,  Capt.  Wilson,  Capt.  Andrews 
an •!  Lieut.  D.  W.  Sheahan  were  conspicuous.  Others 
whom  I  have  not  named  behaved  gallantly  on  the  occa- 
sion. 

But  of  all  those  whom  I  have  mentioned  above,  none 
were  braver  or  more  worthy  of  mention  than  scores  of 
privates  who  fought  with  courage  that  has  never  been 
surpassed.  Without  injustice  to  any,  I  wish  it  were  pos- 
sible to  record  the  names  of  all  who  made  a  glorious 
record  on  that  day. 

A  very  few  members  of  the  regiment  behaved  badly. 
Two  or  three  committed  the  unaccountable  mistake  of 
charging  the  wrong  hill — a  hill  in  the  rear. 

ISTear  the  commencement  of  the  charge,  our  flag  bearer 
Sergt.  R.  L.  Carver  was  severely  wounded.  The  banner 
beaivr  Corpl.  P.  F.  Dillon  was  shot  through  the  breast 
an  instant  later.  When  he  fell,  Adjutant  J.  H.  Snyder 
gallantly  caught  up  the  banner  and*  carried  it  into  the 


60          HISTORY    OF   T1IE    102D    ILL.    IXFANTRY    VOLS. 

redoubt.  Subsequently  it  was  planted  by  him  on  the 
parapet  of  the  earthwork.  During  the  action  fifty  balls 
cut  the  banner,  and  two  shattered  the  staif. 

According  to  the  official  report,  the  casualties  in  the 
102d  during  that  day  were  eighteen  killed,  seventy-six 
wounded,  and  one  missing. 

Our  brigade  commander,  Brig.  Gen.  W.  T.  Ward, 
was  quite  severely  wounded.  It  is  said  that  when  the 
ball  struck  the  old  General  he  invoked  a  "  string  of 
blessings  "  on  the  rebels  in  a  style  that  was  more  forci- 
ble than  elegant.  He  was  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight 
cheering  on  the  men  when  struck.  Several  of  our  men 
were  doubtless  struck  by  balls  from  the  lines  that  were 
directed  to  support  us.  At  one  time  the  2d  Brigade 
opened  a  sharp  fire  on  us,  mistaking  us  for  rebels. 

An  amusing  anecdote  is  related  of  a  recruit  who 
moved  forward  with  the  column  but  took  the  earliest 
opportunity  to  get  behind  a  stump.  He  was  repri- 
manded by  an  officer  and  ordered  forward,  but  protested 
in  this  style :  "  I  don't  want  to  charge  on  that  battery. 
I  will  be  sure  to  get  shot — if  Gen.  Hooker  wants  more 
cannon  let  him  say  so,  and  I  will  throw  in  and  help  buy 
them  for  him" 

Deponent  did  not  say  what  regiment  the  recruit 
belonged  to,  but  of  one  thing  we  may  rest  assured,  he 
was  a  genuine  Yankee,  and  had  very  peculiar  financial 
"  notions"  of  war. 

During  the  night  of  the  15th  the  rebels  evacuated  their 
entire  line  of  works  and  retreated  in  the  direction  .of 
Atlanta. 

The  scene  on  the  battle-ground  the  following  day  was 
sad  beyond  description.  The  day  was  calm — indeed  the 
stillness  was  oppressive.  We  were  permitted  to  wander 
over  the  field  and  view  the  eifects  of  the-  fierce  struggle. 
The  dead  of  both  armies  were  being  buried — some 
singly  where  they  fell,  others  in  a  common  grave. 

In  a  deep  trench  surrounded  by  evergreen  pines,  fifty- 
one  of  the  slain  of  the  1st  Brigade  were  buried.  The 
scene  at  the  grave  was  deeply  impressive.  An  immense 
crowd  of  soldiers  gathered  around  to  hear  the  remarks 
of  an  aged  chaplain,  ere  the  forms  of  their  comrades 
were  forever  hidden  from  si^ht. 


AFTER    THE    BATTLE.  61 

"  Many  in  one,"  said  the  venerable  minister,  "  is  the 
motto  borne  proudly  on  our  nation's  banner.  Many  in 
one  grave,  our  fallen  brothers  rest.  And  is  not  the  coin- 
cidence a  fitting  one  ?  Will  not  this  common  grave  be 
cherished  with  a  sacred  pride  by  all  who  love  our  coun- 
try's flag  ?" 

At  the  conclusion  of  his  remarks  the  work  of  burial 
was  accomplished,  tenderly  and  carefully  as  the  circum- 
stances would  permit,  by  the  comrades  of  the  slain. 

But  to  the  living,  sad  as  the  surroundings  were,  the 
day  after  the  battle  seemed  like  the  beginning  of  a  new 
life.  Pea«e  and  repose,  how  sweet,  after  the  withering 
tornado  of  human  wrath  had  swept  by ! 

The  day  after  the  battle,  Major  Gen.  Butterfield,  our 
Division  Commander,  issued  the  following  congratula- 
tory order : 

HEAD-QUARTERS  3o  Div.  20iH  ARMY  CORPS,  ) 
Near  Resaca,  Ga.,  May  16th,  1864.       j" 
General  Orfart  Wo.  4. 

The  Major  General  Commanding  feels  it  a  duty,  as  well  as  a  pleas- 
ure, to  congratulate  the  Division  upon  its  achievements  yesterday. 
The  gallant  assault  and  charge  of  the  First  Brigade,  capturing  four 
guns  in  the  enemy's  fort ;  the  brave  support  of  the  assault  by  a 
portion  of  the  Second  Brigade  on  the  left,  with  the  glorious  repulse 
it  gave  twice  its  force,  proves  the  Division  worthy  a  high  name  and 
fame.  Let  every  one  endeavor  by  attention  to  duty,  obedience  to 
orders,  devotion  and  courage,  to  make  our  record  in  the  future  as 
in  the  past,  such  that  the  army  and  the  country  will  ever  be  proud 

of  us. 

By  command  of  Major  General  Butterfield. 

JOHN  SPEED,  Capt.  and  A.  A.  G. 

Gen.  Sherman  in  his  report  of  the  operations  of  his 
army,  referring  to  the  eventful  days  at  Resaca,  says : 

"Nothing  saved  Johnston's  army  at  Resaca,  but  the 
impracticable  nature  of  the  country,  which  made  the 
passage  of  troops  across  the  valley,  almost  impossible. 
This  fact  enabled  his  army  to  reach  Resaca  from  Dalton, 
along  the  comparatively  good  roads  constructed  before 
hand,  partly  from  the  topographical  nature  of  the  coun- 
try and  partly  from  the  foresight  of  the  rebel  chief.  At 


62  HISTORY    OF    THE    102l)    ILL.    I.NFAXTIiY    VOLS. 

all  events,  on  the  14th  of  .May,  we  I'ound  the  rebel  army 
in  a  strong  position,  behind  Camp  CYcck,  occupying  tin- 
forts  at  Kesaca,  nnd  liis  right  on  some  high  chestnut 
hills  to  the  north  of  the  town.  I  at  once  ordered  a  pon- 
toon bridge  to  be  laid  across  the  Oostariaula  at  Lay's 
Ferry,  in  the  direction  of  Calhotm,  a  division  of  the  10th 
Corps,  commanded  by  Gen.  Sweeney  to  cross  and 
threaten  Calhoun  ;  also,  the  cavalry  division  of  General 
Garrard  to  move  from  its  position  at  Villanow,  down 
towards  Rome,  to  cross  the  Oostanaula  and  break  the 
railroad  below  Calhoun  and  above  Kingston  if  possible, 
and  with  the  main  army  I  pressed  against  Resaca  at  all 
points.  Gen.  McPherson  got  across  Camp  Creek  near 
its  mouth,  and  made  a  lodgment  close  up  to  the  enemy's 
works,  on  hills  that  commanded  with  short  range  artil- 
lery, the  railroad  and  trestle  bridges,  and  Gen.  Thomas 
pressing  close  along  Camp  Creek  Valley,  threw  Gen. 
Hooker's  Corps  across  the  head  of  the  Creek,  to  the 
main  Dalton  road  and  down  to  it  close  on  Resaca. 

"  Gen.  Schofield  came  up  on  his  left  and  a  heavy  bat- 
tle ensued  during  the  afternoon  and  evening  of  the  15th, 
during  which  Gen.  Hooker  drove  the  enemy  from  several 
strong  hills,  captured  a  four-gun  battery  and  many  pris- 
oners. That  night  Johnston  escaped,  retreating  south 
across  the  Oostanaula." 

INCIDENTS,    ETC. 

Many  hair-breadth  escapes  occurred  at  Resaca.  One 
of  the  men  was  struck  by  a  partially  spent  ball,  which 
parsed  through  the  outside  of  his  coat  into  his  pocket, 
and  there  buried  itself  in  a  plug  of  tobacco  !  The  to- 
bacco saved  him  frotn  a  dangerous,  *and  perhaps  fatal 
wound. 

The  morning  after  the  battle,  numerous  ball  holes 
were  visible  in  the  clothing  of  the  men.  Hats,  caps, 
coats  and  pants  had  been  pierced.  Many  had  been 
slightly  scarred,  and  in  some  cases  their  wounds  were 
never  officially  reported.  One  familiar  ball  cut  through 
the  clothing  of  Capt.  Isaac  McManus,  barely  drawing 
blood  from  his  right  leg.  C'apt.  Wilson  was  prostrated 
and  severely  bruised,  apparently  by  the  concussion  of 
an  exploding  shell. 


A    REBEL    VIEW    OF    THE    SITUATION.  63 

Having  given  a  somewhat  detailed  history  of  the  ope- 
rations of  our  army,  it  may  not  be  improper  to  conclude 
the  account  of  the  battle,  with  a  rebel  view  of  the  situa- 
tion at  that  time.  It  appears  that  after  the  last  day's 
lighting  was  over,  the  Captain  of  the  rebel  battery  which 
fell  into  our  hands,  wrote  the  following  letter,  which  was 
subsequently  captured  by  a  member  of  the  105th  Illinois 
Regiment.  It  is  given  verbatim  et  literatim. 

RESACA  Ga  may  15. 
My  Dear  Wife 

John  Thompson  is  going  home  to  Cass- 
ville  wounded  I  thought  I  would  drop  you  a  line  by  him 
The  Yankees  charged  on  my  battery  this  P  M  and  cap- 
tured 2  sections  of  it  many  of  our  men  and  attendants 
were  wounded 

It  was  as  daring  an  exploit  as  when  my  brothers  was 
charged  at  antietam  Va  by  a  newyork  Reg 

They  threw  themselves  into  the  front  as  unconscious 
of  danger  as  ducks  into  a  pond 

I  tell  you  and  will  to  stow   away  everthing  of  value 
fearing  we  shall  have  to  fall  back  from  here  if  we  do  the 
Yankees  will  get  every  thing  in  reach. 
We  had  to  fight  hookers  command  here  or  else  the  bat- 
tery never  would  have  been  taken 

I  hear  we  are  gaining  on  the  yankees  in  Va  and  we  would 
have  whipped  them,  here  if  it  had  not  been  for  Hookers 
command 

They  all  wore  a  star 

If  we  hold  our  ground  here  I  will  see  you  ere  long     I 
want  you  to  send  sis  and  James  to  grand  Pas  and  you 
go  to  uncle  Johns     Take  all  the  things  you  can 
I  must  close  as  the  train  will  leave  immediately  your  hus- 
band Unto  Death 

PS  w  w  c 

our  position  here  was  very  good  but  we  have  to 
fall  back  keep  up  good  courage  I  hope  what  I  have 
said  will  not  prove  discouraging  to  you  w  AV  c 

From  the  allusion,  in  the  fourth  paragraph,  to  the  men 
of  our  Brigade,  throwing  themselves  into  the  front,  "as 
unconscious  of  danger  as  ducks  into  a  pond,"  the  term 
"  Ward's  Ducks  "  originated. 


64          HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY   VOLS. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

The  Campaign  resumed.  '  Cas'sville.  A  short  Rest. 
The  March  to  the  Etowah.  Burnt  Hickory  or  New 
Hope  Church.  Battles  and  Marches,  from  New  Hope 
Church  to  the  C hattahoochie  River. 

Late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  16th  of  May,  we  marched 
from  the  vicinity  of  Resaca.  The  bulk  of  the  army  had 
already  pressed  forward  after  the  enemy.  We  crossed 
the  Conasauga  River  after  dark,  and  marched  rapidly 
until  a  late  hour — passing  through  a  region  that  had 
been  devastated  by  both  armies.  It  will  be  recollected 
that  the  woods  were  in  many  places  on  fire.  Occasion- 
ally a  dead  pine  tree  burned  magnificently,  the  flames 
creeping  upwards  from  the  base  like  a  living  serpent,  and 
shooting  out  fiery  tongues,  from  the  topmost  branches, 
over  a  hundred  feet  from  the  ground. 

We  halted  at  midnight  near  an  old  mill  on  Coosawatee 
River. 

The  march  was  resumed  at  an  early  hour  on  the  18th. 
In  the  afternoon,  when  a  few  miles  from  Cassville,  the 
regiment  was  halted  and  the  men  were  ordered  to  load 
their  guns.  There  was  some  skirmishing  in  front.  The 
rebels  evidently  desired  to  go  into  camp  and  were  be- 
coming stubborn.  We  had  made  a  good  day's  march, 
and  pressed  them  closely.  In  such  cases  it  was  often  a 
source  of  gratification  to  our  weary  soldiers  to  hear 
skirmishing  in  advance,  which  usually  indicated  the  close 
of  the  day's  march. 

On  the  occasion  referred  to,  our  Brigade  made  but  lit- 
tle progress  after  the  first  halt.  Late  in  the  afternoon, 
the  rebels  brought  their  artillery  into  play  to  check  our 
skirmishers.  Our  Brigade  went  into  bivouac  in  column 
by  regiments,  about  three  miles  from  Cassville.  Moved 
next  morning,  May  19th,  at  half-past  five  o'clock.  After 


SKIRMISHING    AND    MANEUVERING.  G5 

proceeding  a  short  distance,  the  brigade  was  formed  in 
order  of  battle.  In  front  of  our  regiment,  Companies  Gr 
and  I)  were  deployed  as  skirmishers,  and  then  we  ad- 
vanced "by  the  right  of  companies  to  the  front,"  antici- 
pating an  immediate  encounter  with  the  enemy.  We 
halted  at  length  in  a  small  grove  of  timber.  There  was 
an  open  field  in  front,  and  across  this  about  a  half  mile 
distant,  the  rebel  skirmish  line  could  be  seen.  Farther 
to  the  left  in  the  edge  of  a  wood,  rebel  horsemen  rode  to 
and  fro,  observing  our  movements. 

While  halted  in  the  woods,  the  enemy  opened  upon 
us  with  artillery.  A  small  field  piece,  that  made  a  hol- 
low, sepulchral  sound,  devoted  its  attention  to  our  part 
of  the  line.  It  was  fired  with  considerable  accuracy, 
and  as  the  shells  came,  "  flutter,  flutter,  flutter-ing  "  to- 
wards us  like  prairie  chickens  on  the  wing,  our  sensations 
were  not  of  the  most  agreeable  character.  It  is  extreme- 
ly unpleasant  to  be  subjected,  in  an  exposed  position,  to 
the  artillery  fire  of  an  enemy,  when  there  is  no  reply 
from  our  own  guns. 

A  fragment  from  one  of  the  shells,  wounded  a  member 
of  Co.  G  so  severely  that  he  died  during  the  day.  No 
other  casualties  occurred. 

At  length  we  very  quietly  moved  out  of  the  woods, 
around  to  a  new  position,  about  two  and  a  half  miles  to 
the  right.  Then,  working  as  if  for  life,  we  made  a  bar- 
ricade of  rails.  A  battery  near  us  on  the  right,  shelled 
the  woods  in  front  for  some  time,  and  at  two  o'clock  p.  M. 
a  forward  movement  was  ordered. 

At  first  we  were  fearful  that  our  brigade  was  being 
pushed  forward  into  a  perilous  position  without  support. 
But  as  we  debouched  from  the  woods,  into  an  open  field 
that  extended  a  mile  or  two  to  the  right  and  left,  an  un- 
expected but  cheering  sight  met  our  eyes.  In  each  di- 
rection, as  far  as  the  eye  could  reach,  there  were  moving 
columns  of  troops  ;  all  with  flags  and  banners  unfurled — 
advancing  with  as  much  regularity  as  if  on  drill.  It  was 
a  magnificent  military  pageant — a  realization  of  the  pride 
and  pomp  of  "  glorious  "  war. 


GC  HISTORY    OF   THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY   VOLS. 

Near  the  center  of  the  open  field,  a  halt  was  ordered. 
The  enemy  could  be  distinctly  seen  maneuver'niir  in  mass, 
in  the  edge  of  the  woods,  a  few  hundred  y:irds  in  front. 
The  129th  111.  Regiment  was  deployed  as  skirmishers  in 
front  of  our  Brigade.  A  battery  was  brought  up,  and 
the  moment  it  commenced  playing  upon  the  rebels,  they 
disappeared  in  the  thick  woods. 

With  characteristic  coolness  Gen.  Hooker  rode  for- 
ward with  the  skirmishers,  to  see  what  was  there.  He 
was  accompanied  by  a  single  orderly.  While  awaiting 
further  developments,  two  "Johnnies"  came  into  view, 
advancing  among  the  brush  in  front.  Doubtless  it  was 
imagined  by  some  that  these  men  were  among  the  ad- 
vance of  a  charging  column ;  for  a  number  of  guns  were 
instantly  leveled  at  them,  but  they  threw  up  their  hands 
with  frantic  energy,  and  then  it  was  apparent  that  they 
were  voluntarily  coming  into  our  lines. 

After  a  time  we  waded  a  small  creek,  moved  to  the 
right,  advanced  through  thick  woods  in  line  of  battle ; 
then  moved  off  again  to  the  right  and  rear — meantime 
there  was  heavy  skirmishing  in  front,  and  some  artillery 
firing.  The  days  work  ended  with  a  return  to  the  open 
field  above  referred  to,  where  we  went  into  camp  for  the 
night. 

It  had  been  an  exciting  day  of  skirmishing  and  ma- 
neuvering. The  movements  of  the  two  armies  were  not 
unlike  the  movements  of  a  thunder  cloud  in  a  dry  season 
—  angry,  threatening,  portentous  —  flying  messengers 
moving  hither  and  thither — yet  without  other  result  tli an 
a  few  big  drops  of  rain,  and  much  thunder. 

Referring  to  the  operations  of  our  Division  on  the 
18th  and  19th  of  May,  Gen.  Butterfield,  in  a  complimen- 
tary order  says:  "On  the  18th  the  Division  marched 
twenty  miles — much  of  it  in  the  heat  of  the  sun  ;  partial- 
ly making  its  own  roads;  moving  five  miles  in  line  of 
battle,  and  driving  the  enemy  before  them.  On  the  19th 
the  Division  again  moved  to  the  enemy's  extreme  right. 
The  advance  of  the  First  Brigade  unsupported,  driving 
the  enemy  to  within  one  and  a  half  miles  of  Cassville,  by 
the  Adairsville  road  ;  the  reconnoissance  of  the  :;<!  Brig- 
ade to  the  railroad  between  Kingston  and  Cassville,  un- 
supported, and  in  the  presence  of  five  times  its  number 


DESIGNS    OF    THE    REBEL    GENERAL.  67 

of  the  enemy,  the  defiant  attitude  of  the  Division,  alone 
and  unsupported,  when  threatened  by  thrice  its  number; 
the  assault  and  capture  of  Cassville,  by  the  2d  Brigade  ; 
the  daring  and  boldness  of  the  artillery,  especially  the 
section  of  Battery  C,  1st  Ohio,  Lieut.  King  commanding ; 
their  fine  practice  at  the  enemy's  retreating  columns,  and 
the  conduct  and  bearing  of  the  whole  Division  through- 
out the  two  days,  especially  while  in  the  presence  of  the 
main  army  of  the  enemy,  are  worthy  of  the  highest  com- 
mendation. Resaca  and  Cassville  are  proud  names  for 
our  banners." 

It  may  interest  the  reader  to  know  what  were  the  de- 
signs of  the  rebel  general  at  that  time.  I  quote  from 
the  official  report  of  General  Joseph  E.  Johnson,  com- 
mencing with  the  account  of  his  plan  of  conducting  the 
defensive  campaign.  He  says  : 

"  Xhe  fact  that  a  part  of  Folk's  troops  were*  still  in  the 
rear,  and  the  great  numerical  superiority  of  the  Federal 
Army  made  it  expedient  to  risk  battle  only  when  posi- 
tion or  some  blunder  of  the  enemy  might  give  us 
counterbalancing  advantages.  I  therefore  determined 
to  fall  back  slowly  until  circumstances  should  put  the 
chances  of  battle  in  our  favor,  keeping  so  near  the  United 
States  Army  as  to  prevent  its  sending  reinforcements  to 
Grant;  and  hoping,  by  taking  advantage  of  positions  and 
opportunities,  to  reduce  the  odds  against  us,  by  partial 
engagements.  I  also  expected  it  to  be  materially  re- 
duced before  the  end  of  June,  by  the  expiration  of  the 
terms  of  service  of  many  of  the  regiments  which  had 
not  re-enlisted.  In  this  way  we  fell  back  to  Cassville  in 
two  maiches.  At  Adairsville,  about  mid-day,  on  the 
17th,  Folk's  cavalry,  under  Brigadier-General  Jackson, 
met  the  enemy,  and  Hardee,  after  severe  skirmishing, 
checked  them.  At  this  point,  on  the  18th,  Folk's  and 
Hood's  corps  took  the  direct  road  to  Cassville ;  Hardee's 
that  by  Kingston.  About  half  the  Federal  Army  took 
each  road. 

"  French's  division  having  joined  Folk's  corps  on  the 
1 8th,  on  the  morning  of  the  1 9th,  when  half  the  Federal 
Army  was  near  Kingston,  the  two  corps  at  Cassville 
were  ordered  to  advance  against  the  troops  that  had  fol- 
lowed them  from  Adairsville,  Hood  leading  on  the  right. 


68  HISTOEY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOL8. 

When  this  corps  had  advanced  some  two  miles,  one  of 
his  staff  officers  reported  to  Lieutenant-General  Hood, 
that  the  enemy  were  approaching  on  the  Canton  road,  in 
rear  of  the  right  of  our  original  position.  Jle  drew  back 
his  troops  and  formed  them  across  that  road.  When  it 
was  discovered  that  the  officer  was  mistaken,  the  oppor- 
tunity had  passed,  by  the  near  approach  of  the  Federal 
Army.  Expecting  to  be  attacked,  I  drew  up  the  troops 
in  what  seemed  to  me  an  excellent  position — a  bold  ridge 
immediately  in  rear  of  Cassvilie,  with  the  open  valley 
before  it.  The  fire  of  the  enemy's  artillery  commenced 
soon  after  the  troops  were  formed,  and  continued  until 
night. 

"  Soon  after  dark,  Lieutenant-Generals  Polk  and  Hood, 
together,  expressed  to  me  decidedly,  the  opinion  formed 
upon  the  observation  of  the  afternoon,  that  the  Union 
artillery  would  render  their  positions  untenable  the  next 
day,  and  urged  me  to  abandon  the  ground  immediately 
and  cross  the  Etowah.  Lieutenant-General  Hardee, 
whose  position  I  thought  weakest,  was  confident  that  he 
could  hold  it.  The  other  two  officers,  however,  were  so 
earnest  and  unwilling  to  depend  on  the  ability  of  their 
corps  to  defend  the  ground,  that  I  yielded,  and  the  Army 
crossed  the  Etowah  on  the  20th,  a  step  which  I  have  re- 
gretted ever  since." 

During  the  20th,  21st  and  22d  of  May,  the  troops  were 
permitted  to  rest  in  the  vicinity  of  Cassvilie. 

On  the  23d  we  moved  on  towards  the  Etowah  river. 
Crossed  the  river  during  the  afternoon — slight  skirmish- 
ing in  front  and  cannonading  off  to  the  left.  Camped  a, 
mile  south  of  the  stream.  There  is  some  beautiful 
country  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Etowah  and  many  elegant 
residences. 

The  farmers  had  been  busily  at  work  during  the  spring. 
Fine  crops  were  growing  but  were  annihilated  as  last  as 
the  army  moved.  The  wheat  was  used  for  forage,  and 
the  corn  was  trodden  down  by  the  invading  army. 
Fences  were  used  for  fuel. 

The  citizens  had  almost  universally  forsaken  their 
homes.  Many  of  them  on  our  approach,  had  joined  the 
rebel  army.  The  1-idies,  who  in  some  cases  remained  at 


BATTLE    OF    XEW    HOPE    CHURCH.  69 

home,  and  braved  the  Yankee  invaders,  were  very  indig- 
nant because  the  Yankees  did  not,  in  their  opinion,  fight 
in  a  fair  way.  Said  they :  "  You'ns  don't  fight  we'ns 
fair  ;  as  soon  as  our  boys  choose  a  position  and  get  ready 
to  meet  you,  Captain  Hooker,  with  his  Rigiment,  makes 
a  flank  movement  and  comes  round  on  their  eends,  and 
then  they  must  retreat  again." 

It  is  said  that  some  of  the  unsophisticated  creatures 
actually  believed  the  instruments  of  the  brass  bands 
were  parts  of  a  huge  machine  which  General  Sherman 
carried  along  for  flanking  purposes  ! 

During  the  24th,  and  until  the  afternoon  of  the  25th, 
we  advanced  in  the  direction  of  Dallas.  We  were  in  a 
rough  mountainous  region,  south  of  Pumpkin  Vine  Creek, 
when,  about  3  o'clock  P.M.,  May  25th,  the  2d Division  of 
our  corps  found  the  enemy  in  force  near  a  place  called 
"  Burnt  Hickory," — more  commonly  known  as  New  Hope 
Church.  A  battle  soon  commenced.  The  roll  of  mus- 
ketry was  incessant  and  teriflic.  The  3d  Division  im- 
mediately moved  to  take  up  a  position  on  the  right  of 
the  2d,  and  with  it  General  Butterfield  was  ordered  to 
make  a  "  vigorous  attack  "  on  the  enemy's  left. 

Some  difficulty  was  experienced  in  getting  into  posi- 
tion. The  brigades  were  not  in  proper  communication 
with  each  other,  and  owing  to  a  multiplicity  of  orders, 
the  Regiments  of  our  Brigade  became  in  a  measure 
separated.  Night  was  coming  on  apace.  The  conflict 
raged  fiercely  on  the  left,  and  the  enemy  in  our  front 
were  making  the  air  musical  with  cannon  shot,  shells, 
grapeshot  and  musket  balls. 

Some  who  were  there  will  recollect  how  our  line,  with 
one  involuntary  movement,  was  swayed  for  an  instant 
towards  the  earth — like  a  field  of  wheat  in  a  storm — as 
the  screeching  shells  swept  over  head. 

Finally  an  irregular  advance  was  made.  The  YOth 
Indiana  ami  the  102d  Illinois  regiments  were  at  first  or- 
dered to  remain  in  reserve.  In  a  short  time  General 
Butterfield  rode  along,  evidently  somewhat  excited,  and 
ordered  our  Colonel  to  advance  at  once  with  his  regi- 
ment and  make  a  "  vigorous  attack."  We  moved  for- 
ward, over  four  lines  of  our  troops,  who  were  prone  upon 


70  HISTORY    OF   THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

the  ground,  but  were  halted  to  await  the  70th  Indiana. 
Again  we  moved  forward.  It  was  growing  dark ;  a 
drizzling  rain  set  in.  The  rebel  guns  flashed  fire  not 
more  than  two  hundred  yards  ahead,  and  the  grape  shot 
rattled  around. 

At  that  point  we  were  ordered  to  halt  and  lie  down. 
No  further  advance  was  attempted.  The  rebels  gave  a 
prolonged  cheer  of  victory,  and  we  felt  that  we  had 
been  slightly  worsted. 

The  rain  increased  as  darkness  set  in,  and  the  night 
was  most  dismal.  In  the  thick  woods — the  darkness 
rendered  more  impenetrable  by  the  smoke  of  battle 
which  hnng  around  the  earth — regiments  and  parts  of 
regiments  were  moved  to  and  fro  in  the  vain  endeavor 
to  reorganize  the  columns.  Pitilessly  the  rain  came 
down,  saturating  our  clothes  through  and  through.  Sup- 
perless,  at  length  we  went  to  bed,  with  our  blankets 
only  for  a  covering. 

During  the  night  Cos.  A  and  F  were  detailed  to  build 
breastworks  on  a  line  which  had  been  established  for  the 
purpose. 

Before  daylight  the  other  companies  of  the  regiment 
moved  to  this  line  and  commenced  building  works.  A 
heavy  fog  enveloped  the  earth  when  morning  came,  but 
the  fog  did  not  prevent  the  rebels  from  annoying  those 
at  work  on  the  fortifications.  They  opened  a  galling 
fire,  and  Captain  D.  W.  Sedwick  was  ordered  to  deploy 
Co.  E  and  protect  the  working  parties. 

The  Captain  was  the  man  for  the  occasion,  and  he  did 
his  work  well.  He  had  received  orders  to  advance  his 
men  150  yards  in  front  of  our  line,  but  had  not  pro- 
ceeded more  than  half  that  distance  Avhen  he  perceived 
through  the  fog  that  he  was  but  two  or  three  rods  from 
the  enemy's  works.  The  enemy  succeeded  in  wounding 
several  of  his  men  before  he  could  withdraw  them  to  a 
proper  distance.  Finally  they  were  posted  behind 
trees  and  logs,  and  they  "let  fly"  with  their  Spencers  in 
such  an  effective  manner,  that  the  rebels  were  compelled 
to  retire,  temporarily  abandoning  two  tield  pic-res  which 
they  had  placed  in  an  advanced  position.  The  artillery 
horses  were  killed.  Co.  E  had  seven  men  wounded  that 
morning. 


A  EEBEL   BATTERY    SILENCED.  71 

Early  in  the  morning  a  number  of  guns  were  placed 
in  position  along  our  line,  and  for  two  or  three  hours 
they  threw  shot  and  shell  into  the  rebel  lines  with 
scarcely  a  moment's  interruption.  The  rebel  sharp- 
shooters endeavored  to  silence  them,  but  the  Spencer 
rifles  were  too  much  for  the  Johnnies.  During  the  fore- 
noon, Generals  Sherman  and  Hooker  came  along  the 
line,  quite  reckless  of  the  rebel  bullets,  which  semi-occa- 
sionally  whistled  through  the  air. 

The  rebel  field  pieces  were  held  in  tow  during  all  that 
day,  and  until  the  evening  of  the  day  following  by  dif- 
ferent "  reliefs "  from  the  Regiment.  It  was  a  warm 
place,  and  there  was  some  of  the  sharpest  of  sharpshoot- 
ing  done  on  both  sides.  At  one  time  a  column  of  rebels 
was  seen  moving  towards  our  right,  in  point  blank  range, 
and  the  skirmishers  quickly  emptied  the  magazines  of 
their  Spencer  guns,  as  they  poured  volley  after  volley 
into  the  moving  column  of  gray. 

The  regiment  lost,  while  in  that  position,  one  man 
killed  and  fourteen  wounded. 

At  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the  27th,  we  were 
relieved  by  other  troops,  and  at  dusk  marched  to  a  new 
position  a  half  mile  to  the  right,  in  line  with  the  other 
regiments  of  the  brigade,  and  on  the  right  of  the  70th 
Ind.  The  opposing  lines  at  that  place  were  farther 
apart,  yet  the  rebel  sharp-shooters  were  able  to  pick  off 
our  men  who  exposed  themselves  too  recklessly.  During 
the  morning,  heavy  cannonading  was  heard  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Dallas — supposed  to  be  the  guns  of  McPherson. 

Before  noon  of  the  28th,  we  were  again  ordered  to  a 
position  in  reserve,  a  short  distace  from  the  position  first 
held  on  the  line.  One  man  had  been  wounded  during 
the  morning.  While  being  relieved  preparatory  to  mov- 
ing to  the  rear,  the  rebel  skirmishers  opened  a  rapid  fire. 
They  evidently  observed  the  change  that  was  being 
made.  The  regiment  which  relieved  ours  had  one  man 
hurt.  Ours  retired  without  further  loss. 

A  few  moments  after  reaching  our  new  position,  sharp 
firing  commenced  in  front.  Although  we  were  held  in 
reserve,  the  rebels  were  so  close  that  their  balls  dropped 
several  hundred  yards  in  the  rear  of  us.  Several  rounds 


72          HISTORY    OF   THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY   VOLS. 

of  grape  shot  were  fired  by  them  and  the  little  iron  crab- 
«}>/>les,  barked  the  trees  and  rattled  around  so  thickly,  it 
was  marvelous  that  no  one  was  hurt. 

In  the  afternoon  we  moved  two  hundred  yards  to  the 
rear.  Remained  in  that  position  until  midnight  of  the 
29th.  In  the  meantime,  there  was  constant  skirmishing 
on  some  part  of  the  line  and  occasional  heavy  can- 
nonading. 

At  midnight  of  the  29th,  an  attack  was  made  on  the 
left  of  our  front.  The  firing  was  terrific.  There  is 
something  fearfully  grand,  yet  terrible,  in  a  night  attack. 
Perhaps  a  little  extra  picket  firing  has  caused  the  soldier 
to  rest  uneasily  in  his  sleep,  and  perchance  he  dreams  of 
being  on  the  eve  of  battle.  Presently  the  skirmishing 
grows  more  lively,  then  follows  a  roll  of  musketry,  and 
then  a  roar  that  bursts  upon  the  still  night  air  like  the 
sound  of  a  hurricane.  Instantly  the  soldier  is  on  his  feet, 
instinctively  grasping  his  faithful  musket.  Finally  the 
big  dogs  of  war  commence  barking,  as  if  to  quell  the 
tumult,  and  thus  night  is  rendered  hideous  for  an  hour 
or  two,  and  sleep  is  driven  from  all  eyes,  not  only  at  the 
point  of  attack,  but  miles  away  right  and  left  along  the 
line. 

Thus  we  were  aroused  at  midnight  of  the  29th. 
Shortly  afterwards  we  marchecj  to  a  new  position  a  half 
mile  further  to  the  right.  Remained  there  until  the  31st. 
We  were  then  relieved  by  the  129th  111.  and  returned 
to  the  old  position  in  reserve  line.  Next  day,  June  1st, 
the  corps  was  relieved  by  the  15th  Corps.  We  then 
marched  to  the  left  three  miles,  and  went  into  camp. 
Moved  at  one  o'clock  p.  M.,  June  2d,  continuing  towards 
the  left.  A  little  deluge  of  rain  came  down,  a  few 
moments  after  the  march  commenced.  Col.  Coburn's 
brigade  was  in  advance  and  it  met  with  strong  opposi- 
tion. After  proceeding  two  and  a  half  miles,  our  brigade 
was  formed  in  order  of  battle,  and  ordered  to  move 
forward  in  support  of  Col.  Coburn.  The  enemy 
shelled  us  quite  actively.  Several  of  the  regiments  in 
our  brigade  were  in  an  open  field,  and  were  much 
exposed  to  the  enemy's  fire.  A  number  of  casualties 
occurred  in  the  79th  Ohio  Regiment.  Our  Brigade 


RAIX   AND    REST.  73 

Surgeon,  Dr.  Potter,  of  the  105th  Illinois  Regiment,  was 
killed  by  a  shell.  He  was  an  excellent  man  and  a  good 
Surgeon.  No  casualties  occurred  that  day  in  the  102d. 
Chilled  and  wet  we  bivouaced  that  night,  without  hav- 
ing more  than  a  mouthful  of  supper.  Rations  were 
"  played  out." 

Friday,  the  3d, — marched  three  miles  northeast — 
camped  in  an  open  field  ;  cavalry  on  the  left.  Next  day 
moved  a  short  distance  to  breastworks  that  had  been 
occupied  by  Col.  Coburn's  brigade.  A  number  of  bales 
of  cotton  in  a  building  near  camp,  afforded  excellent 
'bedding,  and  some  of  the  men  slept  on  soft  beds  that 
night.  The  weather  continued  rainy  and  disagreeable. 
Moved  again  on  the  6th  about  five  miles.  Halted  in  the 
afternoon,  formed  in  line  of  battle,  and  were  ordered  to 
build  breastworks  in  double-quick  time. 

There  we  remained  until  the  15th  of  June.  Neither 
army  seemed  very  belligerent,  and  we  passed  several 
days  in  perfect  quiet.  Rain  fell  almost  every  day.  It 
will  be  remembered  that  the  two  wings  of  the  regi- 
ment occupied  separate  camps  at  that  time.  The  left 
wing  was  camped  near  a  large  rock  that  cropped  out 
from  the  earth.  The  right  wing  occupied  a  part  of  the 
line  an  eighth  of  a  mile  farther  to  the  left.  The  camp  was 
ever  after  known  in  the  regiment  as  the  Wet  Tortugas  ! 

The  temporary  suspension  of  active  military  opera- 
tions was  followed  by  a  general  movement  on  the  15th 
of  the  month.  . 

The  advance  commenced  early  in  the  afternoon.  It 
did  not  require  along  march  to  stir  up  the  rebels.  A 
mile  and  a  half  from  our  abandoned  encampment  they 
were  found  in  force,  at  a  place  that  is  known  as  Golgotha 
Church — by  some  called  Pine  Mountain. 

There  had  been  considerable  artillery  firing  during  the 
day,  and  as  we  advanced,  the  picket  firing  became  more 
animated. 

Having  approached  sufficiently  near  the  enemy  to 
comprehend  his  position,  the  brigade  was  deployed  in 
line  of  battle  and  the  102d  was  ordered  to  deploy  as 
skirmishers  in  front  of  the  brigade.  We  advanced 
quickly  across  an  open  field  and  into  the  edge  of  a  wood 


74          HISTORY   OF   THE    102D   ILL.    INFANTRY   VOLS. 

where  the  enemy  disputed  our  further  progress.  Com- 
panies (|,  I,  K  and  part  of  F  were  deployed;  the  other 
companies  were  held  in  reserve.  For  hours  our  men 
plied  their  Spencers  from  behind  trees,  and  the  enemy 
replied  with  equal  energy.  At  length  an  advance  was 
made  and  our  skirmishers  drove  the  enemy  from  their 
first  line  of  skirmish  pits. 

During  the  skirmish,  Capt.  Isaac  McManus,  of  Co.  G, 
was  shot  through  the  left  arm,  above  the  elbow — the 
ball  in  its  course  breaking  the  bone. 

The  Captain  had  ever  exhibited  a  degree  of  bravery, 
that  almost  amounted  to  rashness,  and  his  loss  was 
severely  felt  during  the  remainder  of  the  arduous  cam- 
paign. 

Several  others  were  wounded.  Lieut.  A.  H.  Trego 
received  a  slight  wound  from  a  spent  ball.  It  was  a 
position  of  great  danger,  yet  the  skirmishers  executed 
their  task  well. 

Farther  to  the  right  a  severe  fight  took  place,  and  the 
70th  Indiana,  79th  Ohio  and  129th  Illinois  regiments  lost 
quite  heavily.  The  105th  lost  several  men  during  the  day. 

Late  at  night  we  were  ordered  to  retire,  but  had  not 
proceeded  far  before  the  order  was  countermanded.  We 
returned  to  the  abandoned  rebel  skirmish  line,  and  con- 
structed strong  works, — the  brigade  being  then  formed 
on  that  line.  The  troops  secured  a  short  sleep  before 
daylight. 

Soon  after  daylight,  Colonel  Smith  went  out  to  the 
skirmish  line  to  make  a  personal  reconnoissance  of  the 
enemy's  position.  While  there  he  was  singled  out  by  a 
rebel  sharpshooter,  who  must  have  discovered  his  rank. 
The  ball  struck  above  the  knee  and  passed  through  the 
limb,  barely  missing  the  bone. 

The  Colonel  came  in  leaning  upon  the  arm  of  one  of 
his  men.  The  men  gathered  around  and  anxiously 
inquired  how  badly  he  was  hurt.  He  was  unwilling  to 
admit  the  serious  nature  of  his  wound,  and  replied  :  "  I 
am  only  scratched  a  little  boys."  It  was  difficult  to  con- 
vince him  that  it  was  necessary  for  him  to  be  taken  to 
the  rear. 


AN  EXHIBITION    OF   F1EE-WORKS.  75 

The  loss  of  Colonel  Smith  at  that  juncture,  was  deeply 
felt  by  the  regiment.  The  command  then  devolved  upon 
Lieut.  Col.  J.  M.  Mannon. 

During  the  forenoon  of  the  16th,  artillery  was  placed 
in  position  along  our  works.  At  one  o'clock  the  guns 
opened  upon  the  enemy,  and  kept  up  a  lively  cannonade 
until  late  in  the  afternoon.  The  rebel  skirmishers 
continued  actively  at  work,  but  their  fire  did  not  inter- 
rupt the  serving  of  the  guns.  The  woods  between  our 
works  and  theirs  were  so  heavy  that  the  effect  of  our 
shot  could  not  be  ascertained.  In  one  case,  however,  a 
ball  was  seen  to  strike  a  log  that  lay  upon  the  top  of 
their  works.  The  rebels  ran  in  confusion  from  the 
locality,  and  our  sharpshooters  took  advantage  of  the 
occasion,  to  throw  a  volley  of  balls  into  their  midst. 

All  was  quiet  along  the  line  at  sunset.  The  men  had 
generally  finished  their  suppers, — some  were  at  the  small 
creek  in  the  rear,  washing ;  numbers  were  off  some  dis- 
tance from  the  breastworks — when, "  whiz  "  came  a  rebel 
shell  and  exploded  immediately  in  rear  of  the  works — 
then  another,  and  another,  and  then, — bang,  bang,  bang, 
— three  or  four  almost  simultaneously,  scattering  fire  andl 
fragments  all  around.  This  lasted  perhaps  twenty  min- 
utes. In  the  meantime  we  lay  close  up  to  the  breast- 
works, thinking  the  exhibition  of  fireworks,  rather  inter- 
esting, but  willing  to  have  it  end  at  any  time. 

The  rebel  guns  had  been  well  aimed,  yet,  as  far  as  we 
could  learn,  they  did  no  damage  whatever. 

A  short  time  after  the  shelling  ceased  we  were  relieved 
by  another  regiment,  and  were  ordered  to  fall  back  a 
hundred  yards. 

The  men  could  not  see  the  justice  of  being  relieved  at 
that  juncture  from  works  they  had  built  themselves. 

Fortunately  the  rebels  did  not  renew  the  bombard- 
ment. Ere  morning  they  evacuated  their  line,  and  fell 
back  to  a  new  position  three  miles  distant. 

After  removing  to  the  rear  on  the  evening  of  the  16th, 
as  above  stated,  a  large  mail  was  received,  and  dis- 
tributed. The  moon  shone  brightly,  and  many  of  the 
soldiers  read  their  letters  by  moonlight. 


76          HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

Next  morning  we  visited  the  vacated  rebel  works. 
They  were  very  substantial.  The  first  line  was  sulli- 
ciently  strong  to  resist  heavy  artillery,  and  in  front  of  it 
the  enemy  had  driven  stakes,  leaving  sharpened  points 
for  the  Yankees  to  impale  themselves  upon  in  making  a 
charge.  A  battery  had  been  stationed  where  it  could 
deliver  a  raking  fire  upon  an  approaching  column. 
There  were  three  lines  of  works.  The  place  could  not 
have  been  taken  by  direct  assault  without  terrible  loss. 
But  the  rebels  were  compelled  by  a  flank  movement  to 
retire. 

At  eleven  o'clock,  on  the  17th,  there  was  another  gen- 
eral forward  movement.  The  20th  and  23d  corps,  form- 
ing the  right  of  a  long  line  of  battle,  swung  round  and 
pressed  closely  upon  the  enemy,  about  five  miles  south- 
west of  Kenesaw  Mountain.  The  advance  was  made  in 
excellent  order.  To  cover  our  real  strength  and  designs, 
the  3d  Division  marched  by  a  circuitous  route  through 
thick  timber.  Through  the  thickest  underbrush  the  troops 
moved  by  the  right  of  companies  to  the  front,  and  then 
by  the  left  flank,  debouching  in  an  open  field,  where  they 
were  massed  under  cover  of  a  hill.  While  the  move- 
ment was  being  made  there  was  heavy  firing  a  short  dis- 
tance in  advance.  The  cannon  balls,  cutting  through 
the  air,  kept  up  for  some  moments  a  constant  screeching 
howl,  and  for  a  time  we  were  uncertain  whether  they 
were  fired  by  our  men  or  by  the  enemy.  Reaching  the 
open  field  the  position  became  intelligible.  From  the 
summit  of  a  hill  in  our  front  there  was  a  fine  view  of  the 
situation.  Three-fourths  of  a  mile  in  front  the  rebels  had 
chosen  a  good  position  on  a  heavily  wooded  hill,  beyond 
a  small  creek.  The  valley  through  which  ihe  creek  ran 
had  been  "cleared"  and  cultivated.  On  a  bare  hill 
overlooking  this  valley,  a  mile  and  a  half  to  the  right  of 
us,  one  of  Gen.  Schofield's  batteries  had  audaciously 
taken  up  an  advanced  position  a  few  hundred  yards 
from  the  enemy.  For  some  time  the  men  worked  the 
jLTiins  with  savage  energy.  Firing  by  volley,  a  sheet  of 
fire  would  burst  forth  from  the  battery,  and  then  among 
the  tree  tops  over  the  rebels,  white  pufls  of  smoke  could 
be  seen  where  the  shells  exploded,  and  alter  this,  in 


MAGNIFICENT   BATTLE    SCENE.  TY 

quick  succession,  would  come  the  roar  of  the  discharge 
and  the  sounds  of  the  exploding  shells.  Directly  in  our 
front  one  of  our  division  batteries  was  actively  served, 
and  away  to  the  left  still  others  were  at  work.  The 
guns  of  the  enemy  replied  only  at  intervals.  The  skir- 
mishing was  active  all  along  the  line,  and  at  one  time 
far  away  to  the  left  there  was  a  heavy  roll  of  musketry. 

The  cannonading  on  the  evening  of  the  17th,  and  dur- 
ing the  18th,  exceeded  all  previous  exhibitions  in  that 
line — so  far  as  our  experience  had  extended.  The  pic- 
ture was  a  magnificent  one.  The  artillerymen  working 
grimly  amid  the  smoke  of  their  guns ;  the  hills  and 
valleys  enveloped  in  a  hazy  battle  cloud,  and  the  great 
dead  pine  trees,  lifting  their  ghostly  arms  heavenward, 
made  up  a  scene  that  reminded  us  of  descriptions  we 
had  read  of  some  of  Xapoleon's  Prussian  battle-fields. 

It  rained  all  day  the  18th,  and  we  were  very  uncom- 
fortable in  our  little  shelter-tents.  But  a  ration  of 
whisky  was  issued  in  the  afternoon,  and  of  course  the 
situation  was  at  once  vastly  improved. 

During  the  night  of  the  18th,  the  enemy  fell  back  to  a 
position  around  Kenesaw  Mountain,  covering  Marietta  ; 
and  on  the  19th  our  right  wing  made  another  swing  to 
press  back  their  left. 

We  crossed  the  little  creek  previously  referred  to,  and 
found  it  much  swollen  by  the  recent  rain.  The  bridge 
Avhich  the  pioneers  had  made,  was  swept  away,  and  we 
were  compelled  to  wade  the  stream.  A  mile  beyond  we 
were  massed  on  the  slope  of  a  hill,  and  were  told  that 
we  were  about  to  ."  go  for  them  "  again. 

At  length  the  brigade  was  deployed  in  line  of  battle — 
the  102d  being  on  the  extreme  right  of  the  corps  was 
"refused,"  that  is,  formed  at  a  right  angle  with  the 
advancing  line,  to  protect  the  right  flank.  Co.  C  was 
deployed  as  skirmishers. 

Marching  as  usual  through  dense  pines,  and  under  a 
variety  of  conflicting  orders,  there  was  much  confusion 
in  the  movement.  First  to  the  right,  then  to  the  left, 
then  forward,  then  rearward  the  columns  moved — receiv- 
ing a  few  shots  from  the  enemy,  which  did  no  damage. 
.Meantime  on  the  left  there  was  heavy  firing  without  any 
marked  result. 


78  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

Finally  a  line  of  works  was  thrown  up.  The  evening 
of  the  next  cfay,  another  demonstration  was  made  similar 
to  the  first.  The  men  protested  very  strongly  against. 
such  vexatious  "battallion  drills/' 

Co.  C  remained  on  the  skirmish  line  during  the  20th. 
A  large  oak  tree  near  the  reserve  post  was  used  as  an 
observatory  and  aiforded  an  excellent  view  of  the  ground 
in  front.  Gen.  Hooker  climbed  into  the  top  of  the  tree, 
and  Major  Gens.  Thomas,  Howard,  Schofield,  Me  Cook 
and  Butterfield,  besides  one  or  two  Brigadiers,  visited 
that  part  of  the  field  during  the  day,  to  make  observa- 
tions. Several  of  the  leading  Generals  held  a  council  of 
war  in  a  log  hut  near  by. 

After  dark  the  regiment  was  moved  forward  a  short 
distance  and  ordered  to  build  a  new  line  of  works.  The 
works  were  completed  at  midnight.  Remained  in  that 
position  during  the  21st.  Co.  B  was  that  day  sent  out 
on  the  skirmish  line,  and  was  deployed  in  front  of  the 
136th  New  York  Regiment.  The  Colonel  of  that  regi- 
ment advanced  then  into  a  position  which  he  seemed 
afraid  to  occupy  himself,  or  with  men  of  his  own  regi- 
ment. The  enemy  opened  a  sharp  cross  fire  upon  them, 
and  they  returned  the  fire  as  best  they  could  from 
behind  stumps,  trees,  and  a  rail  fence.  Some  of  them 
were  so  much  exposed,  that  the  slightest  movement  of 
their  bodies  brought  a  volley  of  bullets  around  them.  In 
that  position  they  lost  one  man  killed,  and  one  woimdi'd. 

On  the  22d  of  June  the  right  wing  of  the  army  again 
advanced.  There  was  more  or  less  fighting  all  along  the 
line.  Gen.  William's  division  of  our  corps  was  assaulted 
by  the  enemy  in  the  afternoon.  The  men  had  com- 
menced building  breastworks  when  the  rebels  advanced 
in  heavy  columns  against  them.  A  number  of  batteries 
had  been  placed  in  position  to  sweep  an  open  field 
through  which  they  advanced.  As  they  appeared  in  the 
open  field  they  were  subjected  to  a  terrific  fire  of  mus- 
ketry and  artillery.  Finally  they  were  beaten  back  with 
terrible  loss. 

Our  division  was  on  the  left  of  the  division  engaged. 
The  cannonading  was  very  heavy. 


IIOVEBIXG   ON    THE    VEKGE    OF    BATTLE.  79 

In  the  meantime  there  had  been  much  activity  on  our 
part  of  the  line.  We  seemed  to  hover  all  day  on  the 
verge  of  battle. 

The  general  advance  was  made  just  before  noon.  The 
brigade  advanced  in  the  following  order :  102d  Illinois 
and  79th  Ohio,  in  the  first  line  ;  the  70th  Indiana,  105th 
and  129th  Illinois  in  the  second. 

The  column  moved  to  the  edge  of  an  open  field  and 
halted  for  a  time  under  fire.  Several  men  were  there 
wounded  and  others  narrowly  escaped  being  struck.  A 
tin-cup  attached  to  Capt.  Ed.  H.  Conger's  haversack, 
which  was  suspended  at  his  side,  was  perforated  by  a 
musket  ball. 

Presently  the  word  "forward  "  ran  along  the  line,  and 
we  moved  "  at  double-quick  "  into  the  open  field.  As 
the  column  emerged  from  the  woods  we  observed  that  it 
was  connected  with  a  long  line  of  blue  that  was  sweep- 
ing across  the  field  on  the  right.  Our  advance  was  accel- 
erated by  the  inspiring  scene,  and  we  ran  at  the  top  of 
our  speed  to  the  edge  of  the  woods  in  front.  There  we 
were  ordered  to  halt  and  lie  down,  and  many  no  doubt 
felt  inclined  to  "  grab  a  root." 

Strange  as  it  may  appear,  no  one  was  hit  in  crossing  the 
field.  When  we  halted,  the  rebels  poured  in  their  balls 
thick  and  fast.  One  or  two  men  were  there  wounded. 

Light  breastworks  were  thrown  up,  but  had  scarcely 
been  finished  when  we  were  ordered  to  the  right  a  quar- 
ter of  a  mile.  Moved  under  fire  to  the  new  position. 
In  passing  over  a  hill  were  in  plain  view  of  the  rebel 
sharpshooters.  Near  the  summit  of  the  hill  one  of  the 
men  fell,  severely  wounded. 

Again  we  were  ordered  to  fortify,  and  during  that 
evening  and  the  following  night  finished  another  line  of 
works. 

Next  morning  we  marched  to  the  position  where 
Gen.  William's  division  repulsed  the  enemy  near  the  Kulp 
House.  Some  of  the  dead  were  yet  unburied.  We 
camped  in  line  of  battle — reserve  line — in  a  hollow  where 
many  of  them  had  fallen.  A  small  strip  of  timber  at  the 
bottom  of  the  ravine  had  been  fairly  riddled  by  shot  and 


80  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

shell  from  William's  division.  Pools  of  blood  here  and 
there  indicated  where  the  brave  but  misguided  rebels 
fell.  It  was  one  of  Hood's  slaughter  pens. 

In  our  position  as  reserves  at  that  place,  we  were  as 
much  exposed  to  the  enemy's  balls  as  we  would  have 
been  on  the  front  line.  They  sometimes  passed  far 
beyond  us  to  the  rear.  At  other  times  dropped  uncom- 
fortably near.  There  we  remained  until  the  night  of  the 
26th  when  we  moved  up  to  the  front  line. 

During  the  time  we  were  in  reserve  the  Brigade  fur- 
nished pickets  every  evening — as  was  customary  when 
in  the  front.  The  men  were  thus  often  brought  into 
close  contact  with  the  enemy,  for  the  skirmishers  were 
seldom  idle,  day  or  night. 

Our  position  in  the  line  was  about  five  miles  southwest 
of  Kenesaw  Mountain,  and  commanded  a  view  of  the 
Mountain,  and  much  of  the  intervening  country.  Ken- 
esaw Mountain  proper  is  the  highest  peak  of  a  double 
mountain,  and  rises  "  eighteen  hundred  and  twenty-eight 
feet  above  the  sea  level."*  The  summit  is  nearly  bare. 
A  live  tree,  which  stands  on  the  highest  point,  may  be 
seen  as  far  as  the  Mountain  itself  is  visible. 

Kenesaw  was  in  included  within  the  rebel  lines.  Upon 
its  summit  they  had  planted  heavy  artillery. 

The  morning  of  the  27th  the  troops  were  ordered  to 
remain  near  the  breastworks — ready  to  take  arms  at  a 
moment's  notice.  The  programme  was  that  there  should 
be  a  demonstration  all  along  the  line,  and  at  eight  o'clock 
an  assault  at  some  point  on  the  left.  At  an  early  hour 
the  artillery  commenced  work,  and  the  firing  was  con- 
stant until  eight  A.  M. 

At  that  time  the  cannonading  in  a  measure  ceased. 
Those  who  were  in  eligible  positions  saw  dense  columns 
of  blue,  far  away  to  the  left,  advancing  across  an  open 
field  towards  the  enemy.  Soon  they  disappeared  in  thick 
woods,  and  there  was  a  crashing  roll  of  musketry,  which 
increased  every  moment  and  held  all  observers  spell- 
bound. From  our  batteries  in  the  open  field  referred  to, 

*  Lippincott's  Geographical  Dictionary. 


ASSAULTING    THE    REBEL    WORKS.  81 

the  white  smoke  leaped ;  at  times  from  each  gun  in  suc- 
cession, and  then  from  all  together,  and  the  bursting 
shells  left  other  white  puffs  of  smoke,  away  over  in  the 
woods  near  the  rebel  line.  And  the  rebel  guns  were  not 
idle.  Volumes  of  smoke  arising  at  different  points  in 
the  thick  woods,  indicated  their  position.  Occasionally 
their  balls  would  make  the  dust  fly  on  the  hillside  near 
our  batteries. 

Far  away  beyond  the  immediate  scene  of  action  vol- 
umes of  white  smoke  rolled  away  from  the  guns  on  Ken- 
esaw  Mountain,  as  they  threw  shot  and  shell  into  our 
lines.  And  above  the  mountain  top,  or  near  its  summit', 
the  smoke  of  bursting  shells  from  union  guns,  was  occa- 
sionally seen. 

It  was  a  magnificent  battle  scene,  without  a  realiza- 
tion of  all  the  attending  horrors.  Alas  !  amid  that'Storm 
of  human  passion  many  true  hearts  ceased  to  beat  forever. 

The  assault  was  made  by  parts  of  the  4th  and  14th 
Corps.  The  enemy's  works  were  impregnable,  and  the 
assault  was  a  sad  failure.  The  troops  fought  with  des- 
perate courage.  The  27th  Ill's  regiment,  planted  its 
colors  on  the  rebel  works,  but  could  not  hold  the  position. 

The  assaulting  column  finally  threw  up  breastworks 
within  a  stone's  throw  of  the  enemy. 

In  reference  to  the  preliminary  operations,  and  the 
subsequent  battles  about  Kenesaw,  the  following  inter- 
esting paragraphs  occur  in  Gen.  Sherman's  report: 

"Kenesaw,  the  bold  and  striking  twin  mountain,  lay 
before  us,  with  a  high  range  of  chestnut  hills  trending 
off  to  the  northeast,  terminating  to  our  view  in  another 
peak,  called  Brushy  Mountain.  To  our  right  was  the 
smaller  hill  called  Pine  Mountain,  and  beyond  it  in  the 
distance,  Lost  Mountain.  All  these,  though  links  in  a 
continuous  chain,  present  a  sharp,  conical  appearance, 
prominent  in  the  vast  landscape  that  presents  itself  from 
any  of  the  hills  that  abound  in  that  region.  Kenesaw, 
Pine  Mountain  and  Lost  Mountain  form  a  triangle;  Pine 
Mountain  the  apex,  and  Kenesaw  and  Lost  Mountains 
the  base,  covering  perfectly  the  town  of  Marietta  and 
the  railroad  back  to  the  Chattahoochie." 


82  HISTORY    OF   THE    102l>    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

"The  scene  was  enchanting;  too  beautiful  to  be  dis- 
turbed by  the  harsh  clamors  of  war,  but  the  Chattahoochie 
lay  beyond,  and  I  had  to  reach  it." 

*  *  *  *  *  *  * 

"  During  our  operations  about  Kenesaw  the  weather 
was  villainously  bad,  and  the  rain  fell  almost  continuously 
for  three  weeks,  rendering  our  narrow  wooded  roads 
mere  mud  gullies,  so  that  a  general  movement  would 
have  been  impossible,  but  our  men  daily  worked  closer 
and  closer  to  their  entrenched  foe,  and  kept  up  an  inces- 
sant picket  firing,  galling  to  him." 

After  referring  to  the  terrible  repulse  of  Hood's  corps 
at  the  Kulp  House,  he  continues  : 

"  Although  inviting  the  enemy  at  all  times  to  commit 
such  mistakes,  I  could  not  hope  for  him  to  repeat  them, 
after  the  example  of  Dallas  and  the  '  Kulp  House,'  and 
upon  studying  the  gronnd,  I  had  no  alternative,  in  my 
turn,  but  to  assault  his  lines  or  turn  his  position.  Either 
course  had  its  difficulties  and  dangers.  And  I  perceived 
that  the  enemy  and  our  own  officers  had  settled  down 
into  the  conviction  that  I  would  not  assault  fortified 
lines." 

"  All  looked  to  me  to  '  outflank.'  An  army  to  be  effi- 
cient must  not  settle  down  to  one  single  mode  of  oifense, 
but  must  be  prepared  to  execute  any  plan  which  promises 
success." 

General  Sherman  therefore  resolved  to  assault  the 
enemy's  fortified  lines,  at  a  point  "  where  success  would 
give  the  largest  fruits  of  victory."  Consequently,  the 
assault  of  June  27th  was  made.  After  reviewing  the 
disastrous  result,  he  says:  "  Failure  as  it  was,  and  for 
which  I  assume  the  entire  responsibility,  I  yet  claim  it 
produced  good  fruits,  as  it  demonstrated  to  Gen.  Johns- 
ton that  I"  would  assault  and  that  boldly,  and  we  also 
trained  and  held  ground  so  close  to  the  enemy's  parapets 
that  he  could  not  show  a  head  above  them." 

Duriwr  the1  time  we  were  in  the  front  line  at  the  Kulp 
House,  the  rebel  sharpshooters  made  frequent  attempts 
to  pick  off  men  who  exposed  themselves  before  certain 
openings  in  the  woods.  They  fired  low  and  their  balls 
often  grazed  the  breastworks.  One  man  had  his  lip  eut 


MUSICAL    BULLETS.  83 

by  ;i  ball,  :m<l  another  who  WMS  seated  upon  the  ground 
a  short  distance  in  the  rear  of  the  works,  and  was  about 
to  drink  a  imp  of  coftee,  had  his  arm  barked,  and 
his  coffee  upset  by  a  ball. 

AM  explosive  ball  struck  a  shelter  tent  and  exploded, 
leaving  a  number  of  holes  in  the  tent. 

We  were  sometimes  amused  by  the  music  of  the  mus- 
ket balls.  One  would  come  along  with  the  "  meow  "  of 
a  kitten,  and  the  men  would  declare  the  rebels  were 
throwing  kittens  at  them.  Another  would  come  with  an 
angry  h^w1  as  if  seeking  its  Yankee  victim.  And  we 
listened  to  others  that  had  the  wailing  sound  of  a  win- 
ter's wind.  All  these  sounds  were  more  musical  than 
the  "  zip  "  of  the  bullet  at  short  range. 

The  brigade  was  relieved  on  the  29th,  and  we  marched 
to  the  rear  for  a  brief  rest.  Major  Gen.  Butterfield  hav- 
ing been  relieved,  Brig.  Gen.  W.  T.  Ward — more  gen- 
erally known  as  "Pap  Ward,"  assumed  command  of  the 
division,  and  Col.  Benj.  Harrison  of  the  70th  Indiana, 
succeeded  him  in  command  of  the  brigade. 

The  evening  of  the  first  of  July  the  regiment  returned 
to  the  second  line  of  works.  During  the  next  day  there 
was  heavy  cannonading,  and  picket  firing  as  usual.  At 
night  we  were  ordered  to  be  in  readiness  to  mjve  at  a 
moment's  notice.  Before  morning  the  rebels  left,  and 
shortly  after  daylight  July  3d,  the  troops  were  in  pur- 
suit. 

Our  division  moved  out  on  the  Marietta  road;  the 
brigade  in  advance  of  the  division,  and  the  102d  in  ad- 
vance of  the  brigade. 

The  regiment  moved  forward,  first  by  the  flank,  and 
finally  in  line  of  battle  with  Cos.  E,  G,  F  and  B  in  ad- 
vance as  skirmishers.  The  four  companies  were  under 
the  command  of  Capt.  Sedwick,  who  first  deployed  Co. 
E,  and  afterwards  others  as  they  were  needed. 

After  inarching  about  two  miles,  the  skirmishers 
became  engaged  with  the  rear  guard  of  the  enemy, 
which  was  a  force  of  three  hundred  cavalry. 

Capt.  Sedwick  managed  the  affair  with  admirable  skill. 
The  rebels  slowly  retired,  firing  irregularly.  Several 
times  they  halted,  ane  commenced  forming  a  line  to 


84  HISTORY    OF   THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

charge  upon  our  skirmish  line.  But  Capt.  S.  pressed 
forward  with  his  men,  and  by  keeping  up  a  steady  fire, 
gave  them  no  time  to  form.  After  each  attempt  they 
retreated  in  confusion. 

In  the  meantime  the  companies  in  reserve  were  kept 
up  in  supporting  distance.  It  was  a  lively  scene.  There 
were  stately  residences  at  the  roadside,  with  neatly  or- 
namented grounds,  enclosed  by  picket  fences.  In 
advancing  it  became  necessary  to  pass  through  these 
enclosures  and  it  was  surprising  to  see  the  boards  fly  as 
the  men  dashed  forward. 

In  the  affair,  one  man  had  the  skin  peeled  from  his 
cheek,  by  a  passing  ball.  There  were  no  other  casual- 
ties. Capt.  Sedwick,  with  his  detachment,  finally  drove 
the  enemy's  rear  guard  out  of  Marietta,  occupying  the 
town  nearly  an  hour  before  any  other  troops. 

During  the  morning  a  great  many  rebels  came  in  as 
voluntary  prisoners. 

About  noon  there  was  a  movement  to  the  right,  an  ad- 
vance in  line  of  battle ;  then  by  the  right  flank,  into  an 
open  field,  from  which  the  enemy  could  be  seen  busily 
throwing  dirt — constructing  works — on  a  range  of  hills  a 
mile  distant.  Then  there  was  another  movement  to  the 
right  into  a  secluded  and  romantic  locality.  Tiie  troops 
were  massed  on  the  slope  of  a  hill.  At  that  place  Col. 
II.  Case,  129th  Illinois,  enunciated  the  famous  com- 
mand: "Attention,  BATTALLION  !  Order  ARMS  !  Five 
men  from  each  company  take  the  canteens  and  go  for 
water,  stack  !  ARMS." 

Camped  near  that  locality  in  thick  woods.  It  had 
been  a  wearisome  day — weather  excessively  warm. 

The  Fourth  of  July  was  a  quiet  day.  There  was  some 
cannonading  off  to  the  left.  We  celebrated  the  day  as 
best  we  could  on  "hard,  tack,"  salt  pork  and  coffee. 
Late  in  the-  afternoon  moved  southward  three-fourths  of 
a  mile ;  camped  in  an  apple  orchard  where  wo  obtained 
plenty  of  green  apples.  The  army  seemed  perfectly 
happy  that  evening.  The  bands  were  all  playing,  and 
the  soldiers  were  singing,  laughing,  joking  and'  shouting 
in  a  manner  that  would  have  astonished  people  in  civil 
life. 


FIRST    VIEW    OF    ATLANTA.  85 

Moved  again  on  the  5th,  in  the  direction  of  the  Chat- 
tahoochie  river. 

In  the  meantime  the  rebels  continued  to  fall  back. 
There  was  heavy  skirmishing  in  front.  We  crossed 
Nickajack  creek  and  camped  on  the  hill  beyond.  Ad- 
vanced on  the  6th  to  the  "  Chattahoochie  heights," 
where,  from  tree-tops,  we  first  beheld  the  spires  and 
domes  of  the  city  of  Atlanta.  Yankee  eyes  were  there 
fixed  on  the  coveted  prize,  and  Atlanta  was  doomed. 
We  were  at  that  time  ten  miles  from  the  city. 

It  was  a  proud  day  for  Sherman's  men.  Day  after 
day,  and  week  after  week,  they  had  pressed  forward — 
worn  and  weary  from  marching,  fighting  and  building 
breastworks, — and  at  length  they  seemed  about  to  realize 
the  triumph  for  which  they  had  struggled  so  long. 

The  difficulties  encountered  in  prosecuting  such  a 
campaign  into  the  heart  of  the  enemy's  country  could 
hardly  be  appreciated  by  those  at  a  distance  from  the 
scene  of  operations. 

The  country  is  rugged  and  heavily  timbered.  Vege- 
tation was  very  luxuriant,  and  all  the  hills  were  covered 
with  a  dense  growth  of  underbrush. 

It  required  consummate  generalship  to  move  forward 
a  line  of  battle  fifteen  or  twenty  miles  in  length  through 
such  a  wild  region.  Often  it  seemed,  in  advancing,  that 
the  only  way  was  to  "  go  it  blind."  A  frail  line  o£  com- 
munication, extending  hundreds  of  miles  through  an 
enemy's  country,  was  the  only  dependence  for  supplies. 

On  the  other  hand,  the  enemy  were  thoroughly  ac- 
quainted with  the  ground  over  which  they  fought  and 
retreated,  and  they  only  fought  in  chosen  positions. 
Whenever  they  halted  they  built  breastworks  of  the 
strongest  kind.  Take  the  following  description  as  an 
example.  First  a  line  of  rifle-pits  for  their  skirmishers — 
not  difficult  to  capture.  Then  in  rear  of  the  skirmish 
pits — from  one  hundred  to  three  hundred  yards — a  line 
of  breastworks ;  so  constructed  that  but  little  more 
than  the  eyes  of  the  rebels  were  exposed — a  head-log 
being  placed  upon  the  works.  In  front  of  the  line 
chevaux-de-frise,  or,  as  the  men  termed  them,  "  horse 

6 


86  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

rakes,"  were  placed.  Also  sharpened  slakes.  The  un- 
derbrush, which  grew  everywhere  in  that  region,  was 
usually  cut  or  hacked  and  lopped  over,  between  the  main 
line  and  the  skirmish  line.  The  tops  were  so  intermin- 
gled that  a  person  could  barely  pick  his  way  through 
when  there  was  no  enemy  to  oppose.  Often  there  were 
two  or  three  lines  of  works,  and  usually  a  deep  ditch  in 
front  of  the  first.  Military  men  of  less  genius  than  Gen. 
Sherman,  Avould  have  broken  the  army  into  fragments  on 
these  impregnable  works.  His  fertile  mind  suggested 
other  expedients  for  defeating  the  enemy. 

In  the  face  of  such  opposition  the  rebel  army  had 
been  pressed  back  from  the  vicinity  of  Chattanooga  to 
the  Chattahoochie. 

It  is  said  that  after  Gen.  Johnston  had  followed  his  re- 
treating policy  several  weeks,  the  rebels  declared  that 
their  army  was  commanded  by  "  Old  Billy  Sherman," — 
that  they  invariably  moved  when  Sherman  gave  the 
command  and  Johnston  only  superintended  the  details, 
of  the  movement." 

By  the  10th  of  the  month  the  entire  rebel  army  was 
across  the  river.  Our  own  army  remained  quiet  a  num- 
ber of  "days,  enjoying  a  much  needed  rest. 


A   TRUCE    ON    THE   PICKET    LIXE.  87 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

In  Camp  on  the  Chattahoochie  Heights.  Friendly  in- 
tercourse with  the  Rebel  Pickets.  Offensive  Movements 
Resumed.  GREAT  BATTLE  AT  PEACH  TREE  CREEK. 
SIEGE  OF  ATLANTA. 

While  encamped  on  the  Chattahoochie  heights,  there 
was  a  cessation  of  hostilities  between  the  pickets  of  our 
division  and  the  rebel  pickets  confronting  them. 

Friendly  interviews  were  occasionally  held,  which 
sometimes  terminated  in  an  arrangement  for  the  John- 
nies to  come  over  and  abandon  their  sinking  cause. 

One  day  while  the  corps  commanded  by  Hardee  was 
still  north  of  the  river,  Lyman  B.  Straw,  of  Co.  B,  102d, 
opened  communication  with  a  rebel  picket  and  offered 
to  exchange  papers.  The  Reb.  agreed  to  exchange,  but 
in  a  few  moments  announced  that  he  could  not  obtain  a 
paper. 

"  Then  meet  me  half  way  and  I  will  give  you  one," 
said  '  Beecher.' 

"Agreed,"  said  the  other. 

The  pickets  on  both  sides  were  cautioned  to  refrain 
from  firing.     The  parties  met  and  shook  hands,  when 
the  following  conversation  took  place : 
Yankee.     How  are  you,  Johnnie  ? 

Rebel.  How  are  you,  Jimmie — and  now  tell  me  why 
you  call  us  "  Johnnies." 

Yankee.     Because  you  live  on  Johnnie-cakes. 

Rebel.  Well,  for  a  nickname,  we  must  call  you  Jim- 
mies. When  are  you  going  into  Atlanta  ? 

Yankee.     When  will  you  cross  the  river  ? 

[At  this  a  squad  of  rebels  a  short  distance  from  them 
laughed  heartily,  saying  it  was  a  genuine  Yankee  reply.] 


88  I1IST011Y    OF   THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

Rebel.     Who  commands  your  corps  now  ? 

Yankee.     Joe.  Hooker. 

Rebel.  I  thought  Joe.  Hooker  was  dead.  We  have 
been  informed  officially,  three  or  four  times,  that  he  hail 
been  killed  or  wounded.  I  believe  the  old  fellow  vei 
live  forever. 

Yankee.  I  think  he  will  live  to  see  the  rebellion  put 
down.  By  the  way,  are  you  not  sick  of  the  war  ? 

Rebel.  Yes.  So  much  so  that  there  are  thirteen  of  us 
here  who  intend  to  go  over  to  your  lines  the  first  oppor- 
tunity we  have. 

Yankee.  Come  over  to-night,  then ;  we  will  not  fire 
upon  you. 

Rebel.  All  right ;  we  will  come.  After  a  few  addi- 
tional remarks  the  parties  shook  hands  and  separated. 

During  the  interview  hundreds  of  the  ememy  came 
out  of  their  breastworks  to  witness  the  scene.  A  large 
number  of  our  men  were  also  spectators  of  the  interview. 
When  the  parties  separated,  the  spectators  on  both  sides 
quietly  disappeared. 

According  to  the  arrangement,  the  rebels  attempted  to 
come  in  that  night.  Unfortunately,  however,  they  made 
the  attempt  some  distance  to  the  left  of  the  picket  post 
near  which  the  interview  had  been  held.  The  rebel 
pickets  detected  the  movement  and  fired  upon  them,  and 
our  pickets,  supposing  the  enemy  were  about  to  attack, 
returned  the  fire.  Only  three  of  the  thirteen  succeeded 
in  reaching  our  lines. 

After  Hardee's  corps  crossed  the  river,  the  pickets  of 
the  opposing  armies  confronted  each  other  on  opposite 
sides  of  the  stream.  A  lively  traffic  in  tobacco,  cotfec 
and  other  articles  sprang  up  between  them.  The  rebels 
would  swim  across  with  plugs  of  tobacco  tied  about 
their  necks,  and  return  with  a  small  sack  of  coiVee. 
There  was  very  little  personal  hostility  between  the  sol- 
diers of  the  two  armies.  They  respected  each  other  as 
brave  men.  \ 

The  troops  marched  from  the  heights  on  the  17th  of 
July,  late  in  the  afternoon.  At  dusk  crossed  the  Chatta- 
hnochic  on  a  pontoon  bridge  at  1'aice's  Ferry.  Marched 
three  miles  beyon  1  the  river  eastward,  and  camped  o? 


APPROACHING   THE    ENEMY.  89 

an  elevated,  stony  ridge.  Moved  next  day  two  and  a 
half  miles  southward,  towards  Atlanta.  Camped  in 
heavy  timber.  Were  aroused  the  morning  of  the  19th, 
at  three  o'clock,  to  build  breastworks.  While  the  work 
was  progressing  a  sad  accident  occurred.  A  tree,  cut 
near  the  line  of  works,  fell  across  the  ground  occupied  by 
Co.  H,  mortally  wounding  S.  Kite,  who  was  sound 
asleep  at  the  time.  He  died  during  the  day. 

At  seven  o'clock  A.  M.,  July  20th,  we  were  again  in 
motion,  under  orders  to  occupy  a  range  of  hills  south  of 
Peach  Tree  Creek.  There  had  been  considerable  artil- 
lery firing  during  the  two  previous  days,  and  it  was  ap- 
parent, by  all  the  movements,  that  the  enemy  were  in 
strong  force  a  short  distance  ahead. 

As  we  neared  the  creek,  skirmishing  became  active  in 
front,  and  we  were  soon  in  range  of  the  balls.  Crossing 
the  stream  we  halted  for  a  time  in  a  corn-field  at  the 
base  of  a  hill.  The  day  was  intolerably  warm — scarcely 
a  breath  of  air  stirring.  At  length  we  moved  a  half 
mile  to  the  right.  While  marching  by  the  flank  through 
a  corn-field  in  the  valley,  an  advance  was  made  by  our 
skirmishers,  up  the  hillside  a  few  hundred  yards  to  the 
left,  or  front.  The  rebels  fired  briskly  and  their  balls 
whisked  spitefully  through  the  young  corn.  No  one  in 
the  regiment  was  struck.  We  halted  again  at  the  base 
of  the  range  of  hills  south  of  the  creek. 

The  rebel  sharpshooters  were  busily  at  work.  Several 
men  were  struck  while  we  were  in  that  position.  A  bat- 
tery which  our  artillerymen  endeavored  to  plant  on  a 
bare  hill  a  short  distance  in  rear  of  our  line,  was  sub- 
jected to  such  a  scathing  fire  that  it  was  taken  away  as 
quick  as  the  horses  could  remove  it  under  whip  and  spur. 
Nevertheless,  we  did  not  anticipate  any  very  serious 
work — nothing  more  than  a  slight  skirmish,  when  we 
should  advance  to  construct  works  at  the  crest  of  the 
hill. 

Our  division  had  been  formed  in  an  irregular  line  of 
battle,  on  the  right  of  the  4th  Corps.  The  second  divi- 
sion rested  on  our  right — some  of  the  regiments  closed 
in  muss,  drawing  rations,  cooking,  &c.  The  intention 
was  to  deploy  the  division  in  line  of  battle  on  the  right 


90  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

of  ours,  connecting  with  the  left  of  the  14th  Corps.  The 
movement  was  finally  accelerated  somewhat  by  the 
enemy. 

The  1st  Division  was  in  reserve.  About  four  o'clock 
p.  M.,  word  ran  along  the  line  that  the  rebels  were  charg- 
ing. At  the  same  moment  an  order  was  given  to  ad- 
vance to  the  crest  of  the  hill.  Quickly  the  men  sprang 
into  line  and  moved  forward.  Reaching  the  summit,  they 
immediately  became  engaged  with  the  enemy. 

The  First  Brigade  had  been  formed  on  the  right  of  the 
division,  and  the  102d  was  on  the  right  of  the  brigade — 
next  on  the  left  was  the  79th  Ohio," and  on  the  left  of 
that  regiment  was  the  129th  Illinois.  The  70th  Indiana 
and  105th  Illinois  regiments  were  at  first  held  in  reserve, 
but  they  moved  forward  when  the  battle  was  at  its 
height,  and  engaged  the  enemy  in  a  hand  to  hand  fight. 

On  the  right  of  our  regiment,  a  battery  had  been 
planted.  Near  this  battery  the  left  of  the  2d  Division 
rested,  when  the  battle  commenced. 

The  102d  occupied  a  knoll,  in  front  of  which  was  a 
clump  of  timber  and  a  small  creek.  Farther  to  the  left 
this  stream  curved  northward,  and  across  it  the  left  of 
the  brigade  was  formed. 

The  rebels  advanced  in  heavy  masses  down  the  slope 
of  a  hill  in  front  of  the  2d  and  3d  Brigades,  and  the  left 
of  our  brigade.  The  inequalities  of  the  ground  prevented 
them  from  advancing  in  force  in  our  immediate  front. 

On  the  left  of  the  20th  Corps  they  struck  Newton's  Divi- 
sion of  the  4th  Corps,  and  on  the  right  engaged  a  bri- 
gade of  the  14th  Corps.  Between  the  14th  Corps  and 
our  position  on  the  line,  they  hurled  a  heavy  column  on 
the  2d  division  of  the  20th  Corps. 

Our  position  on  the  knoll  commanded  a  fine  view  of 
the  open  field  through  which  the  enemy  advanced  on  the 
left.  Sheets  of  lire  bla/ed  along  the  line  of  muskets  in 
their  front.  Yet  without  faltering  or  wavering  they 
pressed  forward,  their  advance  actually  piercing  the 
center  of  our  division — the  body  of  gray  intermingling 
with  the  line  of  blue. 


BATTLE  OF  PEACH  TREE  CREEK.  91 

They  were  subjected  to  a  terrible  enfilading  fire  from 
the  79th  Ohio  and  the  102d  Illinois.  A  perpetual  sheet 
of  flame  blazed  from  the  Spencer  rifles  in  the  hands  of 
our  men.  And  the  battery  on  our  right  with  wonderful 
energy  poured  shot  and  shell  into  their  ranks.  Still  for 
a  time  they  persisted  firing  as  they  moved  forward. 
Rebel  flags  waved  defiantly  in  their  front  line,  and  were 
shot  down — but  quickly  taken  up  and  carried  forward  to 
the  line  where  waved  the  stars  and  stripes.  A  hand  to 
hand  contest  ensued  at  that  point,  the  combattants  half 
hidden  by  fire  and  smoke  and  dust. 

Will  the  enemy  never  give  back  ?  With  intense  soli- 
citude we  mark  the  ebb  and  flow  of  battle.  At  last  they 
waver ;  numbers  drop  to  the  rear,  others  quickly  follow, 
and  finally  the  entire  body  is  rolled  back  in  utter  rout 
and  confusion  by  our  advancing  lines.  And  then  the 
suppressed  feelings  of  the  victors  find  utterance  in  a 
shout  that  rises  high  above  the  roar  of  battle — a  wild, 
thrilling,  prolonged  shout  of  victory. 

In  the  meantime,  unknown  to  most  of  us,  Gen.  Geary's 
Division  had  been  pressed  back  in  confusion.  The 
enemy  followed  up  their  advantage  with  the  utmost  im- 
petuosity, and  their  columns  surged  around  on  our  right 
until  they  had  nearly  reached  the  rear  of  our  regiment. 
A  battery  which  temporarily  fell  into  their  hands,  was 
turned  upon  us,  the  guns  enfilading  the  line  formed  by 
our  brigade. 

At  that  critical  moment  an  Aid  rode  up  to  our  regi- 
mental commander,  Capt.  Wm.  A.  Wilson,  and  told  him 
that  unless  he  withdrew  the  regiment  it  would  be  cap- 
tured in  less  than  five  minutes.  The  Captain  "  didn't 
see  it."  The  battery  on  his  right  was  being  served  with 
unexampled  skill  and  bravery,  and  he  had  determined  to 
stand  by  it  to  the  last. 

It  was  a  critical  situation.  Victory  was  almost  within 
the  grasp  of  the  impetuous  enemy,  but  at  this  juncture 
the  1st  Division,  whiob  hml  been  held  in  reserve,  rushed 
forward  and  restored  the  fortunes  of  the  day. 

Defeated  at  all  points,  the  rebels  abandoned  the  field 
leaving  the  most  of  their  dead  and  wounded  in  our 
hands,  besides  a  large  number  of  prisoners. 


92  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOL.S. 

Sharp  skirmishing  and  heavy  cannonading  continued 
however,  until  dark.  As  darkness  came  on,  the  smoke 
of  battle  settled  do\vn  over  the  field,  and  still,  through 
the  deepening  gloom  the  bla/e  of  our  cannons  could  ho 
seen  on  the  right  and  left,  and  the  flash  of  picket  guns  at 
intervals  along  the  line. 

The  night  was  calm,  and  as  the  full  moon  approached 
the  zenith,  it  shone  brightly  over  a  quiet  field,  illumina- 
ting the  pale  features  of  the  dead.  The  living  had 
sought  repose,  save  the  watchful  sentinels,  and  here  and 
there  a  wakeful  soldier,  whose  eyes  perchance  wandered 
to  the  gauzy  clouds,  floating  before  the  moon,  flecked 
with  a  thousand  delicate  hues,  and  faintly  veiling  the 
distant  stars.  In  the  midst  of  such  loveliness  how 
strange  that  men  should  enact  the  savage  scenes  of 
war. 

The  following  day  was  occupied  in  burying  the  dead. 
The  slope  of  the  hill  on  the  left,  down  which  the  enemy 
had  moved  so  bravely  the  day  before,  was  thickly  strewn 
with  their  dead. 

In  the  report  of  the  Atlanta  campaign,  Gen.  Sherman 
states  that  at  the  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek ;  "  the 
enemy  left  on  the  field  five  hundred  dead,  three  thousand 
wounded  severely,  seven  stands  of  colors,  and  many 
prisoners.  His  loss  could  not  have  fallen  short  of  five 
thousand,  whereas  ours  was  covered  by  fifteen  hundred 
killed,  wounded  and  missing."  Gen.  Hooker  estimated 
the  enemy's  loss  at  six  thousand.  Our  brigade  captured 
three  stands  of  colors. 

Owing  to  the  favorable  position  our  regiment  occupied 
we  lost  lightly — two  men  killed  and  nine  wounded.  The 
loss  of  the  brigade  was  about  one  hundred  and  seventy 
killed  and  wounded. 

Although  the  102d  escaped  with  so  little  loss,  the  regi- 
ment inflicted  immense  damage  on  the  enemy.  It  was 
estimated  at  the  time,  that  five  thousand  rounds  of  cart- 
ridges were  fired  from  the  Spencer  rifles  alone. 

('apt.  Win.  A.  Wilson  commanded  the  regiment 
during  the  action.  lie  was  ably  assisted  by  Capt.  Dan 
AV.  Sedwick.  Lie-lit.  Col.  3Iannon  was  too  unwell  t<> 
command,  yet  he  remained  with  the  regiment  during  the 
battle. 


BATTLES    OF    PEACII    TREE    CREEK.  93 

The  men  needed  no  encouragement  to  induce  them  to 
do  their  duty.  They  fought  with  the  enthusiasm  of 
patriots  and  the  coolness  of  veterans. 

The  officers  were  all  at  their  posts.  Capt.  Andrews, 
on  the  right,  no  doubt  made  up  his  mind  during  the 
crisis  of  the  tight,  that  he  would  in  accordance  with  his 
usual  obstinacy  die  right  there  rather  than  give  back  an 
inch.  Capt.  Woolley,  it  is  presumed,  made  an  applica- 
tion of  his  celebrated  axiom  in  philosophy,  namely — 
"  Well,  it  is  just  like  this,  everything  has  a  beginning 
and  an  ending — except  a  ring,  and  that  had  before  it 
was  welded"  And  thus  fortified  he  endured  to  the  end, 
and  received  due  credit  for  his  good  conduct. 

Capt.  Clay's  black  eye-flashed  fire  as  he  maneuvered 
Co.  D. 

Capt.  Conger,  ever  at  his  post  in  the  hour  of  danger, 
coolly  and  judiciously  directed  the  operations  of  Co.  I. 

Lieut.  Trego  with  the  light  of  battle  in  his  eye  told 
Co.  C  where  to  fire. 

Co.  H,  commanded  by  Capt.  Elliott — one  of  the 
bravest  among  the  brave — did  gallant  work. 

Co.  E  warmed  up  the  Spencer  guns  as  the.  hearts  of 
the  men  became  warmed  with  patriotic  enthusiasm.  The 
company  was  commanded  by  Lieut.  Brown,  who  seemed 
as  cool  in  battle  as  on  battallion  drill. 

Lieut.  Wiliets  commanded  Co.  K,  and  under  his  guid- 
ance that  company  added  fresh  laurels  to  its  fame. 

The  men  of  "  G,"  were  bravely  led  by  Lieut.  Bridge- 
ford.  The  company  was  much  exposed,  but  did  its  duty 
well. 

Co  B,  under  Orderly  Terpening,  moved  forward  where 
the  balls  flew  thickest,  and  fought  nobly. 

Adjutant  J.  H.  Snyder  was  conspicuous  along  the  line, 
aiding  the  commanding  officers. 

Capt.  J.  Y.  Merritt,  was  in  the  fight  as  Brig.  Provost 
Marshal.  Lieut.  Peebles  commanded  the  sharpshooters. 

Lieut.  Sheahan  and  Lieut.  Jordan,  efficiently  aided 
their  respective  company  commanders. 

The  brigade  commander,  Col.  Ben.  Harrison  alias 
"  Little  Ben,"  moved  from  point  to  point  along  the  line, 
utterly  reckless  of  flying  balls. 


'•'  \  HISTORY    OF   THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOI.S. 

General  Ward  had  established  his  headquarters  in  the 
valley,  near  the  creek,  and  at  a  point  that  commanded  a 
view  of  the  field  where  his  Division  fought.  It  is  said 
the  old  General  was  in  ecstacics  when  the  1st  Brigade 
went  into  action.  "  See  my  old  Iron  Brigade,"  said  he, 
striking  his  fists  together.  "  See  my  old  Iron  Brigade — 
see  them  go  in — the  best  d — d  brigade  in  the  service  !" 

Throughout  the  fight  the  1st  Brigade  preserved  an 
unbroken  line,  giving  back  not  an  inch,  and  never 
wavering  for  a  moment. 

The  entire  corps  was  elated  with  the  victory.  It  had 
been  an  open  field  fight,  in  which  the  advantages  were 
with  the  enemy.  The  morning  after  the  battle  General 
Hooker  rode  along  the  lines  and  received  the  tumultu- 
ous cheers  of  the  soldiers.  Subsequently  he  issued  a 
congratulatory  order. 

An  extensive  budget  of  incidents  could  be  made  up 
in  giving  an  account  of  each  battle.  These  were  some- 
times amusing  and  sometimes  painful.  The  conduct  of 
some  of  the  men  while  under  fire  at  Peach  Tree  Creek 
was  particularly  amusing.  An  excentric  member  of 
Company  C  was  in  his  element.  Wild  with  enthusiasm, 
he  committed  all  kinds  of  antics,  firing  his  gun  and 
waving  his  hat  alternately,  and  yelling  occasionally  like 
a  Comanche  Indian. 

An  instance  of  unsurpassed  courage  is  related  of  a 
rebel  Captain,  whose  maneuvres  were  observed  by  an 
officer  in  the  129th  Illinois  regiment.  The  rebel  officer 
was  a  tall,  fine  looking  man.  With  drawn  sword  lie 
walked  along  the  rear  of  his  company  and  urged  the  men 
forward  to  our  line  of  battle,  manifesting  not  the  slightest 
regard  for  the  bullets  that  were  thinning  the  ranks  about 
him.  As  the  rebel  line  commenced  giving  away  he 
vainly  endeavored  to  rally  his  men,  and  when  they  fled 
in  utter  confusion,  he  walked  away  as  coolly  as  it' prome- 
nading for  pleasure.  It  was  an  extraordinary  exhibition 
of  cool  courage.  Among  the  rebel  wounded  there  was 
a  young  girl  only  pineteen  years  of  age.  A  ball  had 
smirk  her  ankle  and  she  was  obliged  to  have  her  foot 
amputated.  She  bore  her  suffering  heroically.  Stated 


GATHERING   ACORNS    UNDER   DIFFICULTIES.  95 

that  she  had  been  twenty-eight  months  in  the  rebel  ser- 
vice, and  was  not  sorry  that  she  had  enlisted,  but  would 
willingly  suffer  twice  as  much  for  her  country. 

The  night  after  the  battle,  a  member  of  the  129th  Illi- 
nois Regiment,  being  posted  as  a  vidette,  heard  men 
talking  in  a  ravine  "about  fifty  yards  from  him.  He 
hailed  them  and  threatened  to  tire,  and  they  replied  that 
they  would  surrender.  They  immediately  marched  up, 
fourteen  in  number,  and  surrendered  to  the  astonished 
vidette.  A  commissioned  officer  was  with  them.  ..During 
the  battle  they  had  advanced  into  a  position  from  which 
they  could  not  retire  without  great  peril.  When  hailed 
by  the  vidette  they  were  making  preparations  to  return 
to  their  own  lines. 

It  is  said  that  General  Hood  told  his  men,  when  about 
to  advance,  that  they  were  "going  out  to  gather  acorns;" 
alluding  to  the  men  of  the  14th  corps,  who  wore  a  badge 
representing  an  acorn.  Their  intention  was  to  break 
through  the  line  on  the  left  of  that  corps,  as  we  subse- 
quently learned.  They  did  not  suppose  they  would 
encounter  anything  more  than  a  mere  skirmish  line  in 
their  front,  but  were  wofully  disappointed,  for  in  their 
course  they  met  the  ubiquitous  "stars.". 

The  advance  was  resumed  July  22d,  the  enemy  hav- 
ing fallen  back  from  the  position  occupied  the  previous 
clay.  We  advanced  some  distance  without  opposition — 
marching  in  line  of  battle  through  dense  underbrush, 
where  the  briars  were  thick,  and  loaded  with  luscious 
blackberries,  which  we  were  compelled  to  leave  for  the 
"bummers." 

Many  thought  we  would  march  into  the  city  without 
further  opposition.  Gen.  Sherman,  in  his  report  referring 
to  the  evacuation  of  the  rebel  line  in  front  of  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  says :  "  On  the  morning  of  the  22d,  somewhat  to 
my  surprise,  this  whole  line  was  found  abandoned,  and  I 
confess  I  thought  the  enemy  had  resolved  to  give  us  At- 
lanta without  further  contest." 

But  the  enemy  was  soon  developed,  and  by  noon  the 
great  battle  in  which  the  lamented  McPherson  fell,  com- 
menced on  the  extreme  left  of  the  army. 


96  HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFAXTKY    VOLS. 

The  20th  corps  pressed  up  close  to  the  enemy's  forts 
around  Atlanta,  and  erected  breastworks,  our  Brigade 
occupying  a  position  on  the  line  three-fourths  of  a  mile 
east  of  the  Chattanooga  and  Atlanta  railroad. 

In  that  position  the  enemy  shelled  us  very  actively 
during  the  evening  of  the  22d,  also  on  the  23d,  24th  and 
25th.  Two  men  in  the  regiment  were  wounded. 

The  shelling  at  night  was  really  interesting.  The 
flash  of  rebel  guns  at  different  points  along  the  horizon 
resembling  the  blaze  of  lightning  from  a  rising  cloud ; 
but  the  occasional  bursting  of  shells  in  close  proximity 
to  our  works,  detracted  immensely  from  the  romance  of 
the  situation.  While  in  that  position  the  pickets  had 
several  sharp  encounters  with  the  enemy.  The  Brigade 
picket  line  was  driven  in  by  a  superior  force  on  the  24th 
of  July.  By  a  special  order  from  the  Brigade  Com- 
mander, Captain  Sedwick,  with  Co.  E,  was  directed  to 
reinforce  the  line  and  recover  the  lost  ground.  After  a 
sharp  skirmish  the  rebels  were  compelled  to  retire. 

The  picket  tfne  in  front  of  our  Brigade  was  consider- 
ably in  advance  of  the  line  on  the  right  and  on  the  left. 
A  deep  ravine  running  from  the  rebel  line  traversed  the 
left  of  our  line  and  passed  in  rear  of  the  reserve  post. 
By  following  this  ravine  the  rebels  might  have  flanked 
the  line  at  any  time.  The  knowledge  of  this  fact  ren- 
dered the  men  constantly  uneasy  when  on  duty  in  that 
advanced  position.  On  the  night  of  the  24th,  about  11 
o'clock,  the  enemy  made  a  heavy  demonstration  on  that 
part  of  the  line.  The  stillness  of  the  night  was  sud- 
denly broken  by  a  terrific  fire  of  musketry.  Lieut.  A.  H. 
Trego  commanded  the  outposts  at  that  time.  A  few  of 
his  men  became  panic-stricken  and  fled  to  the  rear,  but 
the  Lieutenant  gallantly  rallied  the  remainder,  and,  amid 
a  shower  of  rebel  bullets,  urged  them  to  stand  linn. 
And  they  did,  for  there  were  a  number  of  dauntless 
spirits  under  his  command.  Among  others  "  Booth " 
Abbott,  of  Co.  A,  handled  his  Spencer  magnificently  on 
that  occasion.  At  length  the  rebels  were  repulsed. 
Lieut.  Trego  then  learned  that  the  reserve  post  had  been 
abandoned  by  all  save  Lieut.  Willard  Scott  of  the  105th, 
and  a  handful  of  men.  It  appears  that  there  were  two 


SEIGE    OF   ATLANTA.  97 

heavy  lines  of  rebels.  This  force  .was  repelled  by  a 
weak  skirmish  line,  which  had  been  ingloriously  deserted 
by  a  majority  of  the  reserve  or  supporting  force. 

The  night  of  the  25th  we  moved  to  a  new  line  of 
works  a  hundred  yards  in  advance.  At  that  place  we 
remained  under  fire  until  the  evening  of  the  26th. 
While  there  a  member  of  Co.  1  was  severely  wounded. 
Just  as  we  were  preparing  to  go  to  bed,  the  evening  of 
the  26th,  the  regiment  was  relieved  and  ordered  to 
another  part  of  the  field.  We  then  moved  to  the  rear 
and  right,  occupying  a  portion  of  the  second  line  of 
works  in  good  shelling  range  of  the  enemy.  And  while 
there  they  improved  the  opportunity  to  shell  us  day  and 
night — occasionally  throwing  some  huge  missiles  that 
had  the  appearance  of  old-fashioned  wagon  hubs. 

At  that  place,  on  the  29th,  General  Hooker  assembled 
the  officers  of  the  3d  Division  and  bade  them  adieu, 
stating  that  he  had  been  misused  and  could  not  consis- 
tently retain  the  command  of  the  20th  corps.  The  old 
General  had  become  very  popular  among  the  officers  and 
men  of  his  corps  during  the  campaign,  and  all  regretted 
his  departure. 

Many  who  had  looked  upon  him  with  distrust  and 
prejudice,  before  serving  under  him,  became  convinced, 
after  a  few  months  campaigning,  that  he  could  handle 
his  troops  with  masterly  skill,  and  when  assuming  a  haz- 
ardous position  in  presence  of  the  enemy,  they  only 
asked  to  know  that  old  "  Uncle  Joe  "  was  around. 

During  the  afternoon  of  the  28th,  the  battle  of  Ezra's 
Church  took  place.  The  fight  was  several  miles  away 
towards  the  right.  The  3d  Division  was  ordered  around 
to  support  the  troops  engaged  but  had  not  proceeded  far 
before  the  order  was  countermanded.  Our  assistance 
was  not  needed,  and  we  returned  to  the  camp  on  the  left 
of  the  railroad. 

Next  morning  the  Division  moved  to  the  extreme 
right  flank  of  the  army,  where  it  was  formed  in  line  of 
battle  at  a  right  angle  with  the  main  line,  thus  covering 
and  protecting  the  flank  and  rear. 


98          HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

Nothing  of  special  interest  occurred  while  in  that  po- 
sit ion.  On  the  2d  day  of  August  the  23d  Corps  moved 
around  to  the  right  flank.  Our  Division  was  relieved 
and  we  marched  towards  the  left.  Halted  late  in  the 
evening  in  an  open  field  in  rear  of  the  14th  Corps. 
Moved  next  morning  at  sunrise  into  a  position  on  the  left 
of  the  14th  Corps,  occupying  a  beautiful  plat  of  ground 
in  rear  of  strong  works,  west  of,  and  very  near  the  rail- 
road. 

Colonel  Smith,  having  recovered  from  his  wound, 
rejoined  the  Regiment  on  the  10th. 

We  remained  in  that  vicinity  until  the  25th  of  the 
month,  occasionally  advancing  the  lines.  The  work  of 
advancing  the  lines  was  usually  accomplished  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner.  A  new  general  line  was  selected  from. 
50  to  100  yards  in  advance,  shortening  a  part  of  the 
curved  line  formed  by  the  besieging  army.  The  brigade 
or  brigades  in  rear  of  the  new  line  furnished  fatigue 
parties  from  each  regiment,  which  parties  finished  sub- 
stantial works  in  a  day  or  two,  and  under  cover  of  night 
the  troops  took  possession  of  them.  We  moved  thus 
into  a  new  line  on  the  night  of  the  5th  of  August,  and 
again  on  the  13th  of  the  month. 

A  sketch  of  one  day's  experience  at  that  time  would 
be  almost  a  counterpart  of  the  history  of  each  day  passed 
before  Atlanta. 

There  were  occasional  exciting  moments  when  the 
pickets  became  engaged  far  away  on  the  right,  on  the 
leit,  or  in  front.  Sometimes  these  affairs  occurred  in  the 
daytime,  but  more  frequently  at  night.  One  quiet  after- 
noon, when  the  men  were  variously  employed  about  the 
quarters — reading,  writing,  playing  cards,  etc.,  an  alarm 
of  this  kind  occurred.  The  rebels  made  a  dash  on  the 
picket  line  in  front,  and  for  a  time  we  thought  they  were 
coining  for  iis.  Quickly  every  man  was  at  the  breast- 
works with  gun  in  hand.  The  balls  of  the  enemy  flew 
around  very  lively  for  awhile.  But  it  was  only  a 
demonstration  on  the  picket  line,  and  soon  all  was  quiet 
again. 


SIEGE    OF    ATLANTA.  99 

During  all  those  days  picket  firing  and  cannonading 
scarcely  ceased  for  a  moment.  It  is  true  that  on  some 
parts  of  the  line  the  pickets  of  the  opposing  armies  oc- 
casionally agreed  to  an  informal  truce,  but  at  other 
points  the  firing  was  perpetual. 

Many  guns  had  been  placed  in  position  along  our 
works.  One  4^  inch  rifled  piece  on  the  left  of  the  rail- 
road, sent  a  huge  shell  into  the  city  every  five  minutes 
regularly,  day  aiul.night.  Far  in  the  night  we  listened 
to  its  heavy  "  boom,"  followed  by  the  fluttering  of  the 
shell,  and  then  a  dull,  hollow,  unearthly  roai  away  over 
in  the  city,  as  if  the  bursting  shell  had  crashed  through 
huge  buildings. 

The  rebels  sometimes  opened  vehemently  with  their 
guns,  but  they  were  usually  silenced  by  our  batteries. 

The  practice  of  standing  at  arms  was  strictly  ob- 
served at  that  time,  or,  at  least,  strict  orders  were  issued 
requiring  the  men  to  be  in  the  trenches  with  their  guns 
by  four  o'clock  each  morning.  It  was  sometimes  a  little 
difficult  to  enforce  the  order  as  the  men  had  been  over- 
tasked for  many  weeks  in  succession. 

An  amusing  incident  illustrating  this  phase  of  our 
experience  occurred  on  the  morning  of  August  18th.  At 
four  o'clock,  as  usual,  the  orderly  sergeants  commenced 
the  task  of  arousing  the  men.  But  the  men  were 
drowsy;  some  yawned  and  rolled  over,  while  a  few 
reluctantly  threw  their  blankets  from  them  and  got 
up.  The  orderlies  were  making  unusually  slow  progress 
in  their  work,  when  the  sound  of  a  rebel  cannon  broke 
on  the  still  morning  air,  and  a  shell  burst  with  a  deafen- 
ing sound  near  our  breast-works,  scattering  fragments 
promiscuously  through  the  quarters.  Others  followed, 
passing  close  to  the  works,  and  in  less  time  than  it 
requires  to  write  this  sentence  every  man  was  at  his  post 
in  the  trenches. 

Several  mornings  the  enemy  commenced  firing  about 
daylight,  but  a  converging  tire  was  brought  to  bear  upon 
tlu-ir  forts  from  batteries  along  our  line,  and  they  were 
soon  willing  to  let  us  alone. 

A  battery  on  our  right  which  was  called  the  Dutch 
Battery  "  talked  "  to  them  in  a  way  that  was  amusing. 
Whenever  the  rebel  guns  commenced,  the  Dutch 


100       HISTORY    OF    THE    102l)    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

Battery  opened— "firing  by  file"— "bang,"  "bang/1 
"  bang,"  one  gun  after  another  quickly  dropping  a  shell 
in  the  rebel  line.  It  was  evident  the  enemy  got  the 
worst  of  it  whenever  they  stirred  up  the  Dutch  Battery. 

The  opposing  picket  lines  were  in  some  places  very 
close  together.  The  post  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  line 
was  established  for  a  time  on  the  railroad  in  an  old  wood 
shed,  and  was  not  more  than  fifty  yards  from  the  rebel 
picket  line.  The  men  were  compelled  in  that  position  to 
remain  closely  under  cover,  as  the  least  exposure  of  the 
person  attracted  a  rebel  ball.  Several  men  were 
wounded  in  that  vicinity,  and  a  Lieutenant  from  the 
105th  was  killed  there. 

The  left  of  the  brigade  being  on  higher  and  more  open 
ground,  was  more  exposed  to  the  enemy's  fire  than  the 
right.  The  105th  suffered  most  severely.  Men  were 
struck  by  stray  balls  while  lying  in  their  bunks  in  rear  of 
the  works.  The  102d  had  but  three  men  wounded  while 
there.  It  is  strange  that  the  casualties  were  so  few  as  the 
men  were  exposed  to  the  enemy's  fire,  day  after  day,  and 
week  after  week,  on  the  picket  line  and  in  camp,  and 
had  almost  reached  the  conclusion  that  lead  was  a  prim- 
ary element  in  the  Georgia  atmosphere. 

Some  of  the  most  imposing  scenes  of  the  war  are 
associated  with  our  recollections  of  the  siege  of  Atlanta. 
Sherman's  grand  army  formed  a  line  of  battle  at  least 
fifteen  miles  in  length.  Let  us  look  at  the  picture: 
First  we  observe  the  irregular  line  of  breast-works  wind- 
ing mile  after  mile,  over  hill  and  valley.  In  rear  of  these 
were  the  small  white  shelter  tents,  pitched  in  regular 
order,  and  a  little  farther  to  the  rear  were  long  lines  of  red 
earth,  indicating  the  positions  from  which  the  army 
had  advanced.  From  several  points  the  city  was  plainly 
visible,  and  through  openings  in  the  forest  the  rebel  forts 
and  line  of  earthworks  could  be  seen  ;  at  times  thronged 
with  men  in  gray.  From  a  high  range  of  hills  in  the 
ivar  of  our  position  we  had  a  line  view  of  the  situation. 
Farther  to  the  rear  the  immense  wagon  trains  were 
grouped.  Here  and  there  were  clusters  of  neat  hospital 
tents.  All  the  roads  were  thronged  with  footmen  and 


SIEGE    OF    ATLANTA.  101 

horsemen,  teamsters,  orderlies,  Generals  and  staff 
officers.  In  the  front  the  scene  was  no  less  active.  The 
inevitable  picket  firing,  as  regular  as  the  "droppings" 
of  a  slow  rain,  reached  the  ear  from  the  picket  line.  Men 
in  blue,  as  busy  as  ants,  were  constantly  moving  hither 
and  thither,  in  the  rear  of  the  main  line.  Light  wreaths 
of  smoke  were  visible  where  our  cannons  were  at  work, 
and  little  white  "  puffs  "  were  occasionally  suspended  in 
mid  air  by  exploding  rebel  shells.  The  deep,  dull  roar 
of  artillery,  far  away,  right  and  left,  was  heard. 

If  a  single  element  was  needed  to  render  the  impres- 
sion intensely  vivid,  it  was  supplied  by  the  glorious 
music  of  the  field  bands,  playing  those  noble  campaign 
pieces,  which  will  never  be  heard  in  these  days  of  peace 
without  bringing  a  tear  to  the  soldier's  eye. 

The  long  delay  before  Atlanta  tested  the  moral  cour- 
age of  the  army.  What  would  be  done  next?  The 
enemy's  position  seemed  impregnable  in  front.  Was 
Sherman  at  last  brought  to  a  dead  lock  ?  Had  his  flank- 
ing machine  entirely  played  out? 

Thus  we  queried,  watched  and  waited.  "  Grape-vine  " 
— that  is,  army  news  received  through  unofficial  sources, 
—was  for  a  time  very  scarce,  and  commanded  a  pre- 
mium. At  length  the  prolongation  of  the  line  to  the 
right  commenced,  and  every  individual  in  the  vast  army 
evinced  almost  as  much  interest  in  the  result  as  Gen. 
Sherman  himself.  Finally  it  appeared  that  the  rebel  line 
of  communication  could  not  be  reached  in  that  manner, 
and  there  were  rumors  of  a  grand  movement  of  the 
whole  army  to  the  right. 

The  character  of  this  movement  was  fully  developed 
on  the  25th  of  August.  We  received  orders  that  day  to 
march  the  following  night  to  the  Chattahoochie — the  20th 
Corps  having  been  assigned  the  duty  of  guarding  the 
supplies  and  the  railroad  bridge  at  that  point.  Portions 
of  the  main  army  at  the  same 'time  commenced  the  grand 
movement  to  the  righton  the  West  Point  and  Mat-on  rail- 
roads. Every  arrangement  was  made  during  the  day 
for  the  contemplated  movement,  and  the  utmost  care 
was  taken  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  suspecting  that 


102         HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY   VOLS. 

anything  unusual  was  transpiring.  The  wheels  of  the 
artillery  wagons  were  carefully  wrappv<l  with  cloths,  and 
in  the  order  directing  the  details  of  the  movement  it  was 
announced  that  the  signal  for  the  movement  to  com- 
mence would  be  communicated  in  the  following  manner  : 
The  field  bands  playing  as  usual  after  night-fall,  were  to 
cease  precisely  at  eight  o'clock,  concluding  with  a  piece 
previously  agreed  upon,  and  at  that  instant  the  columns 
were  to  move. 

Night  came ;  all  was  quiet ;  the  bands  assembled,  gave 
us  several  inspiring  strains,  and  finished  up  with  Yankee 
Doodle,  at  precisely  eight  o'clock,  then  quietly  the  troops 
retired,  leaving  the  skirmish  line  intact. 

It  was  almost  daylight  before  we  got  into  position  at 
the  Chattahoochie.  The  pickets  did  not  abandon  the 
line  confronting  the  rebels  until  two  or  three  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  and  failing  to  get  the  order  to  retire,  the 
pickets  of  the  105th  111.  remained  until  about  daylight. 
The  movement  was  effected  without  any  loss,  and  the 
enemy  was  surprised  and  sadly  puzzled,  when,  as  daylight 
dawned  they  found  the  whole  line  in  their  front  aban- 
doned. 

The  1st  Brigade  was  finally  moved  across  the  Chatta- 
hoochie to  a  position  on  the  railroad  a  mile  north  of  the 
bridge,  occupying  a  line  of  old  rebel  works,  which  effec- 
tually commanded  all  approaches  from  the  North. 

In  the  meantime  the  main  army  swept  down  upon  the 
rebel  lines  of  communication  south  of  Atlanta ;  compell- 
ing the  evacuation  of  the  city,  which  took  place  on  the 
night  of  the  1st  of  Sept.,  and  early  on  the  morning  of  the 
2d,  Gen.  Ward,  with  a  part  of  the  3d  Division  occupied 
the  place. 

Thus  at  last  the  object  for  which  we  had  marched, 
fought,  and  suffered  so  many  months,  had  been  attained. 
When  the  regiment  left  Wauhatchie,  four  months  pre- 
vious, to  a  day,  it  reported  tour  hundred  and  fifty  enlisted 
men  for  duty.  When  it  left  the  front  line  before  Atlanta, 
August  25th,  it  numbered  two  hundred  and  eighty  of 
that  class.  Disease  and  rebel  bullets  had  thinned  our 


K\D    OF    THE    CAMPAIGN.  103 

ranks.  Two  hundred  and  eighty  men  in  line  of  battle 
out  of  about  nine  hundred  non-commissioned  officers  and 
privates  who  put  on  the  blue  uniform  at  Knoxville  ! 

The  reader  is  referred  to  the  concluding  chapter  for  a 
full  and  very  interesting  "  Report  of  operations  of  the 
102d  during  the  Atlanta  campaign,"  by  Col.  F.  C. 
Smith. 


104         HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Railroad  guarding  at  the  Chattahoochie.  A  long  rest. 
Mysterious  rumors.  "  Grape-vine"  played  out.  Diary 
0/"TiiE  MARCH  TO  THE  SEA." 

From  the  fall  of  Atlanta  to  the  commencement  of  the 
great  Georgia  raid,  the  102d  was  principally  occupied  in 
guarding  the  railroad.  There  were  several  changes  of 
position  and  a  short  sojourn  at  Atlanta.  We  marched 
to  that  city  on  the  16th  of  Sept.,  and  camped  in  the  rear 
of  the  vacated  line  of  rebel  forts  and  earthworks  south- 
east of  the  town. 

While  encamped  near  Atlanta,  Col.  Benj.  Harrison 
went  home  on  a  leave  of  absence  and  Col.  Smith  suc- 
ceeded him  in  the  command  of  the  brigade.  The  Colo- 
nel remained  in  command  during  the  subsequent  long 
march  through  Georgia. 

Lieut.  Col.  Mannon  had  resigned  a  short  time  previous 
on  account  of  physical  disability,  and  the  command  of 
the  regiment  devolved  upon  Capt.  Wm.  A.  Wilson. 

Every  preparation  was  there  made  for  a  permanent 
encampment.  Vacated  buildings  in  the  city  had  been 
set  apart  for  each  regiment.  These  were  torn  down, 
"  toted,"  and  hauled  into  camp,  and  transformed  into  neat 
little  camp  huts.  Day  after  day,  from  morning  till 
night,  the  sound  of  the  hammer  was  heard,  and  by  the 
1st  of  October,  the  little  village  of  huts  was  almost 
finished.  Some  of  the  men  were  still  at  work,  however, 
when  just  after  dinner  on  that  day  an  order  was  received 
to  pack  up  and  return  immediately  to  the  Chattahoochie 
river. 

The  soldiers  declared  it  was  "rough" — swore  a  little 
—marchc-d  until  after  night,  part  of  the  time  through  a 
heavy  rain,  and  most  of  them  next  day  were  pleased 
with  the  change. 


IN    CAMP    AT   THE    CHA1TAHOOCIIIE.  105 

The  occasion  of  the  sudden  march  was  the  beginning 
of  Hood's  celebrated  flank  movement.  Soon  the  whole 
army,  excepting  the  20th  Corps,  was  on  the  move  north- 
ward, and  during  the  3d  and  4th  of  Oct.,  heavy  columns 
of  infantry  and  cavalry  with  artillery,  constantly  crowded 
the  road  leading  northward,  near  our  camp. 

Our  camp  had  been  established  on  an  elevation  north 
of  the  river  a  short  distance  from  the  railroad  bridge. 
While  there  a  freshet  carried  away  the  central  sections 
of  the  bridge.  The  afternoon  of  the  4th  we  re-crossed 
the  river  and  with  the  79th  Ohio  and  129th  Illinois  regi- 
ments, took  up  a  positio.i  behind  a  strong  line  of  works, 
covering  the  main  approaches  to  the  bridge  from  the 
south  and  southwest.  The  70th  Indiana  was  then  sta- 
tioned at  Sandtown.  The  105th  was  in  camp  north  of 
the  river,  where  it  had  been  subsequent  to  the  time  the 
other  regiments  of  the  brigade  moved  to  Atlanta  on  the 
16th  of  Sept. 

Thus  we  were  left  during  many  monotonous  days. 
Still  it  was  a  pleasant  encampment.  The  weather  was 
much  of  the  time  beautiful.  During  those  calm,  deli- 
cious autumn  days,  it  was  a  pleasure  to  wander  along  the 
bank  of  the  dark  and  rapid  Chattahoochie,  and  into  the 
groves,  gorgeous  with  the  many  hues  of  autumn.  The 
forests  of  the  South,  at  that  season  of  the  year  excel  our 
own  in  beauty.  The  variety  of  colors,  and  shades  of 
colors,  is  wonderful.  There  is  a  general  sombre  hue, 
but  this  is  varied  by  deep,  scarlet,  purple,  and  bright  yel- 
low foliage,  and  intermingled  with  these,  the  deep  green 
of  the  pines. 

Instead  of  being  suddenly  browned  as  our  woods  are 
by  early  frosts,  the  forests  of  the  South  are  changed  from 
the  green  of  Summer  to  the  hues  of  Autumn  more 
naturally.  The  leaves  die  of  old  age  and  seem 
crowned  with  its  honors. 

But  we  were  not  altogether  inactive  in  that  position. 
Several  foraging  expeditions  were  made  by  detachments 
from  the  regiment,  and  those  who  participated  had  some 
hard  inarching  mixed  in  with  a  little  fun,  and  a  very 
little  fighting. 


106         HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

While  encamped  there,  several  casualties  occurred  to 
members  of  the  regiment  who  were  absent  on  furlough. 
A  train  going  northward,  about  the  first  of  Nov.,  w;is 
attacked  near  Vinings,  by  Guerrillas.  1st  Sergt.  Thomas 
Merrick,  Co.  F,  was  severely  wounded  by  them.  The 
wound  subsequently  proved  fatal.  Abner  T.  Morford, 
of  Co.  E,  was  captured.  A  brief  account  of  his  captivity 
will  be  found  in  the  final  chapter  of  this  work. 

About  the  same  time  one  man  was  killed  and  t\vo  were 
severely  wounded  by  a  railroad  collision  near  Lafayette, 
Indiana. 

The  circumstances  attending  these  casualties  were  of 
such  a  peculiar  nature  that  it  will  be  a  pardonable  di- 
gression to  sketch  them  here.  The  men  from  the  102d 
on  board  the  train,  were  Sergt.  Geo.  P.  dimming,  Co. 
H,  1st  Sergt.  Geo.  W.  Gregg,  Co.  C,  and  "Booth"  Ab- 
bott, Co.  A.  They  had  taken  seats  in  the  car  next  in 
rear  of  the  baggage  car,  but  at  the  moment  of  the  colli- 
sion, Sergt.  Gregg  was  standing  on  the  forward  platform 
of  the  car  with  about  a  half  dozen  other  soldiers.  By 
the  force  of  the  collision,  the  baggage  car  was  driven 
back  through  the  one  in  rear  of  it,  the  passenger  car 
encasing  it  like  a  shell.  Within  the  passenger  car, 
crushed  beneath  the  baggage  car,  there  was  a  bleeding 
mass  of  humanity,  but  Sergt.  Gregg,  as  if  by  a  miracle, 
was  forced  through  the  car  without  having  any  bones 
broken.  His  injuries  were  nevertheless  serious,  and  un- 
fitted him  for  duty  for  some  time.  Sergt.  Gumming  was 
instantly  killed.  How  easily  our  destinies  may  be 
changed,  apparently  at  least,  by  trifling  circumstances. 
The  case  of  Sergt.  Gumming  is  one  in  point. 

One  day  while  we  were  on  the  front  line  before  At- 
lanta, it  occurred  to  him  that  it  would  be  pleasant  to  take 
a  walk  a  short  distance  along  the  line  of  works.  In  do- 
ing so  he  passed  into  a  somewhat  exposed  position  and 
was  struck  by  a  rebel  bullet  which  wounded  him  quite 
severely.  In  consequence  of  the  wound,  he  received  a 
furlough  and  started  home  just  in  time  to  meet  death  on 
the  ill-fated  train. 


PREPARATIONS  FOR  AN  ACTIVE  CAMPAIGN.     107 

Our  friend  "  Booth  "  of  course  came  out  all  right,  yet 
lie  came  out  through  great  tribulation.  He  was  caught 
and  held  fast  in  the  ear  in  such  a  situation  that  he  was, 
for  about  an  hour,  at  the  point  of  suffocating.  When 
relieved,  he  came  forth  black  as  an  Etheopian,  sweating 
profusely,  and  puffing  like  a  porpoise. 

Booth's  adventures  while  on  furlough  would  alone 
make  quite  a  volume.  In  Kentucky  he  fell  into  the 
hands  of  guerrillas,  and  at  some  place  enroute  for  the 
Regiment,  fell  into  the  hands  of  some  drunken  Irish  sol- 
diers. It  is  said,  however,  that  in  the  latter  case  he 
gained  a  decided  victory. 

On  the  26th  day  of  October,  Capt.  Wilson  having  re- 
signed, Capt.  H.  H.  Clay,  of  Co.  D,  took  command  of 
the  Regiment.  He  was  subsequently  commissioned  and 
mustered  as  Major. 

About  the  first  of  November  mysterious  rumors 
reached  us  in  regard  to  a  contemplated  movement  in 
which  the  20th  Corps  would  participate.  By  the  5th  of 
the  month  all  surplus  baggage  was  packed  up,  and,  as 
fast  as  transportation  could  be  furnished,  it  was  sent  to 
Chattanooga.  But  the  order  to  move  was  for  a  time 
suspended. 

For  once  the  army  was  completely  nonplussed.  The 
impending  campaign,  or  march,  was  an  inexplicable  rid- 
dle. In  what  direction  would  we  move  ?  Some  persons 
said  after  Hood,  others  on  Mobile,  and  the  most  know- 
ing suggested  Charleston  or  Savannah.  "  Grape-vine  " 
was  utterly  at  fault ;  all  the  reports  through  that  chan- 
nel tending  only  to  confuse  the  judgment. 

But  the  conviction  was  universal  that  the  army  was 
in  safe  hands  while  directed  by  Sherman,  and  with  it  he 
could  go  where  he  pleased.  Preparations  for  the  cam- 
paign went  rapidly  forward  from  day  to  day,  and  on  the 
12th  of  November  the  last  train  of  cars  went  Northward. 
That  afternoon  the  work  of  destroying  the  railroad  com- 
menced. For  an  account  of  the  subsequent  march,  the 
reader  is  referred  to  the  following  diary,  which  is  given 
substantially  as  it  was  furnished  by  myself  for  the 
Galesburg  Free  Press  : 


108       HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

DIARY  OF  THE  GREAT  GEORGIA  HAID. 

[The  original  notes  from  which  the  following  diary 
has  been  transcribed,  were  written  "  in  season  and  out 
of  season,"  in  camp  and  on  the  march,  in  daytime  and 
at  night,  and  were  intended  to  be  a  true  record  of  events 
as  the  days  rolled  by.  The  original  diary  is  repeated 
here,  with  but  slight  alterations.  A  few  items  have 
been  omitted,  and  a  few  paragraphs  have  been  added 
by  way  of  amplification.  Where  stars  have  been  in- 
serted, the  reader  may  usually  understand  that  a  march 
intervened  between  the  time  of  writing  the  paragraphs 
which  are  thereby  separated.] 

MONDAY,  Nov.  14,  1864. 

Marched  from  the  bridge  at  Chattahoochie  River,  by 
a  circuitous  route,  to  Atlanta.  Camped  on  our  old 
camping  ground  near  the  city.  All  very  tired. 

Before  leaving  camp  at  the  bridge,  everything  that 
could  be  of  use  to  the  rebels  was  destroyed.  They  will 
hardly  have  the  road  repaired  between  Alatoona  Moun- 
tains and  Atlanta  a  year  from  this  time.  The  process  of 
destroying  the  bridge  was  very  interesting.  The  even- 
ing before  we  marched  we  witnessed  a  large  portion  of 
the  structure  fall  with  a  terrible  crash.  The  moon  was 
in  the  eastern  sky,  and  we  took  up  a  position  that 
placed  the  bridge  directly  between  us  and  that  luminary. 
A  cable  was  attached  to  some  part  of  the  bridge.  A 
regiment  pulled  at  the  cable,  giving  the  work  a  sway- 
ing motion  that  increased  to  a  pendulum-like  swing, 
until  at  length  it  began  to  give  way;  then  huge  beams 
swung  loose  in  the  air,  iron  rails  struck  fire  as  they  fell 
upon  the  stone  piers,  and  several  spans  came  crashing 
down  into  the  turbulent  river. 

We  are  now  completely  isolated  from  home,  and  must 
remain  so  for  many  weeks.  Sherman  is  on  the  rampage. 
He  will  go  down  to  posterity  as  "  The  Great  Raider." 
We  all  feel  that  we  are  on  the  grandest  raid  of  the 
war.  This  isolation  in  the  heart  of  rebeldom  produces 
a  feeling  of  loneliness  beyond  anything  we  have  yet  ex- 
perienced. 


THE  SOUTHERN  STANDARD  OF  WEALTH.      100 

TUESDAY,  Nov.  15th. 

We  do  not  move  early  this  morning,  and  may  improve 
the  time  in  noting  down  a  few  items. 

Lieut.  B.  is  chief  of  our  mess.  A  Georgia  contraband, 
not  very  intelligent  but  apparently  a  faithful  boy,  coojis 
for  us.  He  states  that  his  master  was  killed  in  one  oi 
the  battles  of  Atlanta.  Asked  him  if  his  master  hs  d 
been  very  wealthy.  "  No,  not  very ;  only  had  thrc  A 
black  l  uns,"  was  his  reply.  The  negro  is  here  the  stan- 
dard of  wealth,  and  the  chivalry  would  make  him  t L  ) 
corner  stone  of  their  confederacy. 

As  we  write,  a  dark,  dense  cloud  of  smoke  rolls  r:y 
from  Atlanta.  Much  public  property  is  being  <  e- 
stroyed.  Is  not  A.  H.  Stephens'  picture  of  desolation 
about  to  be  realized  ? 

Night. — It  is  almost  midnight.  We  left  camp  about; 
10  o'clock  this  morning.  Have  moved  at  a  snail's  pace, 
owing  to  the  slow  movement  of  an  immense  wagon 
train,  which  we  must  guard.  Have  had  no  supp  or. 
We  are  now  in  Decatur,  a  very  pretty  little  village, 
seven  miles  east  of  Atlanta.  As  darkness  came  on  t'.Ax 
evening,  the  western  sky  was  lighted  up  with  a  mere 
brilliant  glow  than  that  imparted  by  the  sun's  declining 
rays ;  it  was  the  light  of  burning  buildings. 

WEDNESDAY,  Nov.  16th. 

Well,  the  upshot  of  it  was,  we  marched  all  night.  At 
daylight  halted  for  breakfast;  have  just  finished  the 
meal,  and  are  again  about  to  move.  We  are  now  only 
thirteen  miles  from  Atlanta. 

Evening. — Reached  camp  at  7J-  P.  M.,  having. marched 
with  but  one  or  two  hour's  intermission  since  yesterday 
morning.  Too  tired  and  sleepy  to  write  much  to-niglit. 
We  :ir<-  passing  through  a  very  good  country.  Forfge 
is  becoming  abundant.  Our  camp  to-night  is  at  Yellow 
Creek. 

(THURSDAY,  Nov.  17th. 

The  sun  is  sinking  low  in  the  west  as  we  write — during 
a  temporary  halt  of  the  column.  Judging  from  appe  i- 
ances,  we  could  subsist  on  the  country  for  mon  .1,4 
without  recourse  to  government  rations.  We  are  liv  .ii£ 
on  the  fat  of  the  land. 

*  *  •*  *  #  *         7 


110        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INKAVIKY    VOLS. 

Marched  until  8  o'clock  tliis  evening.  We  have  had 
fresh  pork,  chickens,  mutton,  molasses,  honey  and  yams 
brought  into  camp  to-day  in  great  abundance.  One 
company  of  our  regiment  drove  in  about  thirty  head  of 
cattle.  We  are  living  like  kings,  but  are  marching  in 
wretched  order. 

We  will  close  this  day's  record  with  a  specimen  of 
orthography  transcribed  from  tombstones  at  a  place  on 
the  line  of  march.  Oneof  the  slabs  mentioned  the  name 
of  the  deceased,  and  added  the  words,  "who  was  l,<,n<l 
the  1  of  Sept  1853"  The  next  bore  the  name  "Sarah 
An  who  was  borndihe  3d  of  March  18 —  and  did<-.  the 
6th  of  Sept  18 — ."  There  also  seemed  to  be  some  doubt 
as  to  the  proper  mode  of  spelling  the  word  icho,  for  on 
one  of  the  slabs  it  was  chiseled  "  hoo." 

Injustice  to  the  enlightened  portion  of  the  South,  we 
Avill  state  that  these  inscriptions  were  found  in  a  rural 
distric^,  and  some  charitable  persons  with  us  suggested 
that  iFmight  have  been  the  work  of  negroes,  which  may 
be  true. 

Marched  eighteen  miles  to-day,  and  camped  near  Flat 
Creek. 
L  FRIDAY,  Nov.  18th. 

We  were  up  at  four  o'clock  this  morning,  and  marched 
until  8  P.M..  Distance  fifteen  miles.  Pa-sed  through 
the  town  of  Social  Circle,  a  beautiful  little  village.  Later 
in  the  day,  passed  through  the  town  of  Rutledge.  These 
places  are  located  on  the-  Atlanta  &  AuguMa  Railroad. 
The  country  becomes  more  beautiful  and  more'  productive 
as  we  advance.  We  are  now  feeling  about  the  heart- 
strings of  the  Confederacy, 

The  face  of  the  country  and  the  style  of  the  buildings 
strongly  remind  us  of  Illinois.  Instead  of  the  rugged 
hills  of  northern  Georgia,  "we  here  have  gently  undulating 
plains. 

The  rebels,  as  yet,  do  not  impede  our  progress. 

SATI  KI>AY,  Nov.  10th. 

We-  had  a  glorious  sleep  last  night.  Our  camp  was  in 
a  Held  where  th"  coating  of  line  grass  made  an  excellent 
bed.  We  were  np  this  morning  at  half-past  four. 


A    REBEL    SEXSAT1OX    ITEM.  Ill 

Late  rebel  papers  have  be:'n  received.  They  confirm 
lite  reported  election  of  Lincoln.  One  of  the  papers  aUo 
says,  the  rumor  is  prevalent  that  Sherman  h;is  evacuated 
Atlanta,  destroyed  all  the  railroad  bet \veen  that  place 
and  Chattanooga,  and  is  about  to  march  to  Charleston. 
The  editor  discredits  the  statement.  As  it  is  an  Augusta 
paper,  he  may  soon  have  convincing  proof  that  there  is 
some  foundation  for  the  startling  rumor. 

We  wish  it  were  in  our  power  to  describe  a  "raid" 
such  as  we  are  at  present  making.  To  be  appreciated  it 
must  be  participated  in.  We  see  much  that  is  revolting, 
much  that  is  exciting,  and  much  that  is  amusing. 
Usually  the  line  of  march  is  indicated  by  the  smoke  of 
burning  buildings;  nevertheless,  but  few  private  residen- 
ces' are  destroyed,  and  the  people  are  dealt  with  as  mildly 
as  could  be  expected  under  the  circumstances.  The 
troops,  it  is  true,  help  themselves,  indiscriminately,  to 
everything  eatable  on  the  line  of  march,  but  if  the  South- 
ern people  are  as  generous  as  they  claim  to  be,  no  one 
need  suffer.  Beyond  the  range  of  our  foragers  there  is 
evidently  food  in  abundance.  Of  course,  we  would  not 
countenance  indiscriminate  foraging,  yet  where  such 
immense  bodies  of  troops  are  passing  through  a  country, 
everything  good  to  eat  must  rapidly  disappear.  Doubt- 
less many  innocent  little  children  go  hungering;  and 
while  this  is  to  be  regreted,  it  is  difficult  to  see  how  it 
may  be  avoided. 

As  we  write,  the  column  has  halted  in  Madison,  the 
county  seat  of  Morgan  county.  This  is  the  most  beauti- 
ful to\vn  we  have  seen  in  Georgia.  The  old  flag  is 
unfurled. 

********* 

We  halt  again  in  the  court  house  square.  The  band 
of  our  brigade  is  playing  pa  riotic  airs.  The.  men  have 
obtained  iiles  of  old  papers,  and  are  scattering  them  by 
hundreds  through  the  different  regiments. 

The  buildings  in  Madison  arc  almost  all  of  the  first 
class.  Sonic  :  are  very  elegant.  We  see  here 

numerous  evidences  of  taste  and  iviineincnt. 


112         HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFAXTRY    VOLS. 

The  day's  inarch  is  over.  It  has  been  short,  hut  very 
interesting.  The  march  through  Madison  was  a  trium- 
phal procession.  Fair  ladies  and  old  men  looked  upon 
the  flag  they  had  discarded,  and  thinking  of  this,  the 
color-bearers  bore  their  colors  mere  proudly.  The  citi- 
zens manifest  a  kind  of  moody  indifference  The  colored 
people  are  overjoyed.  Many  fall  in  with  the  column  of 
Yankees,  and  we  think  a  majority  would  go  with  us,  but 
some  are  restrained  by  considerations  aside  from  any 
feeling  of  loyalty  to  their  masters. 

We  obtained  a  paper  that  was  published  in  Madison 
on  the  9th  of  November,  1859,  about  the  time  of  the  John 
Brown  raid.  It  contained  an  editorial  which  opens  in 
this  style,  "  The  Abolitionists  of  the  North  are  advanc- 
>•  ing  upon  us,"  and  the  South  is  advised  to  "  put  on  her 
armor."  That  editorial  would  hardly  be  an  inappropri- 
ate one  for  Nov.  19th,  1864. 

The  men  came  into  camp  this  evening  loaded  as  usual 
with  fresh  pork,  molasses  and  yams.  As  we  were  march- 
ing along  this  afternoon  the  foragers  kept  up  an  almost 
uninterrupted  fire  upon  turkies,  chickens  and  porkers. 
All  along  the  column  could  be  seen  the  fruits  of  their 
work.  One  man  carried  a  chicken,  another  a  turkey  or 
two,  and  another  a  headless  sheep.  Still  others  had 
transfixed  on  the  points  of  their  bayonets,  pieces  of  fresh 
pork — the  choice  parts — with  the  hide  and  hair  all  on  '. 

Georgia  takes  the  palm  for  sweet  potatoes,  or  as  they 
are  termed  here,  yams.  They  are  becoming  a  drug  in 
camp.  Geographically  speaking,  this*  State  is  remark- 
able for  the  wonderful  crops  of  negroes  ami  yams  which 
it  produces,  and  the  great  amount  of  molasses  which  its 
citizens  manufacture.  The  cultivation  of  cotton  is  almost 
abandoned  ;  still,  there  have  been  vast  quantities  stored 
away.  We  saw  a  large  lot  of  it  burning  to-day.  It  is 
the  basis  of  Southern  credit,  and  we  derive  a  peculiar 
satisfaction  from  seeing  it  burn.  Some  one  asked  an 
ancient  negro — who  lived  at  the  plantation  where  it  was 
burning — why  he  set  it  on  fire.  "You  Yankees  did  it," 
said  he,  "  and  I'm  glad  of  it — it  would  never  have  (/"//>• 
me  no  good" 

Kvcrything  indicates  that  we  will  concentrate  at  Mil- 
ledgville. 


AN   EXCITING    CHASE.  113 

We  .ire  camped  four  miles  south  of  Madison. 

SUNDAY,  Nov.  20th. 

Marched  at  5  A.  M.  Considerable  rain  fell  last  night, 
and  the  roads  have  been  very  bad ;  nevertheless  our 
expedition  grows  more  interesting.  Our  regiment  was 
in  the  advance  to-day,  and  of  course  had  the  choice  of 
chickens  and  other  game -at  the  roadside.  No  descrip- 
tion can  convey  an  idea  of  the  scene  as  the  regiment 
came  into  camp  this  evening.  Almost  every  one  was 
loaded  with  something  to  eat.  Still,  an  unlucky  flock  of 
sheep  being  discovered  in  the  corner  of  the  field,  in 
which  we  had  just  halted  to  go  into  camp,  an  exciting 
chase  commenced.  A  dozen  or  more  men  broke  ranks 
and  charged  upon  the  flock.  A  line  of  battle  confronted 
the  doomed  animals  on  one  side,  and  a  fence  confronted 
them  on  the  two  other  sides  of  a  somewhat  irregular 
triangle.  Hither  and  thither  they  dodged;  hither  and 
thither  the  boys  dodged  after  them.  When  one  was  suc- 
cessful, he  almost  invariably  tumbled  down  with  his 
captive,  and  then  the  laughing  and  cheering  in  the  regi- 
ment was  unrestrained.  In  vain  the  officers  commanded 
attention  ;  in  a  few  moments  the  sheep  were  all  captured, 
and  most  of  them  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  102d. 

To-day,  for  the  first  time  within  six  months,  we  have 
tasted  butter.  What  think  you  of  this,  epicurean  North- 
ern friends  ? 

While  passing  an  elegant  mansion  to-day,  we  observed 
the  first  manifestations  of  Union  sentiment  on  the  part 
of  citizens  since  the  march  commenced.  A  number  of 
ladies  at  the  mansion  waved  their  handkerchiefs  as  we 
passed,  and  the  men  cheered  heartily. 

Have  marched  fifteen  miles,  and  camped  two  miles 
north  of  Eatonton.  It  is  raining  as  we  write,  at  nine 
o'clock  P.  M.,  and  we  may  expect  rough  marching 
to-morrow. 

MONDAY,  Nov.  21st. 

The  prediction  made  last  night  has  been  more  than 
fulfilled.  We  marched  at  daylight,  in  a  steady,  pitiless, 
driving  rain,  which  continued  during  the  great  CM-  part  of 
the  day — literally  waded  through  mud.  Our  camp  is 
twelve  miles  from  Milledgeville.  Distance  marched, 
fifteen  miles. 


114        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

TUESDAY,  Nov.  22d. 

Gloved  at  a  late  hour  this  morning,  and 
Milledgeville,  the  capital  of  Georgia,  at  a  late  hour  this 
afternoon.  Met  with  no  opposition.  The  town  is 
pretty ;  but  aside  from  the  eapitol  building  and  a  few 
other  structures,  is  rather  insignificant.  We  have  seen 
no  state  capital  yet  that  is  as  small  as  the  capital  of 
Georgia.  It  is  located  on  the  Oconee  River,  and  the 
only  railroad  that  reaches  it  is  a  branch  of  the  Georgia 
Central  road. 

The  weather  is  very  cold.  We  are  to  remain  in  camp 
here  to  morrow. 

WEDNESDAY,  Nov.  23d. 

Another  cold  day — cold  at  least  for  this  climate.  The 
men  have  been  very  busy  washing  and  preparing  every- 
thing for  another  forward  movement. 

Our  fingers  are  numb  with  cold,  so  we  will  cut  short 
this  day's  record  of  events. 

THURSDAY,  Nov.  24th. 

We  marched  from  Milledgeville  this  morning.  Before 
proceeding  with  notices  of  subsequent  events,  we  must 
give  some  additional  items  concerning  the  city  and  its 
inhabitants. 

Yesterday  we  visited  the  State  House,  which  is  a  neat 
structure.  Looked  into  the  Senate  and  Hall  of  Repre- 
sentatives, where  tieason  had  so  long  held  supreme 
sway,  and  thought  the  "beggarly  array  of  empty  seats" 
were  eloquent,  though  silent  speakers.  There  is  a  fine 
library  in  one  of  the  rooms.  Many  of  the  books  had 
been  thrown  out  at  the  window.  Choice  literary  and 
scientific  works  lay  piled  upon  the  ground,  and  a  crowd 
of  soldiers  in  selecting  from  the  lot,  walked  over  and 
trampled  upon  them,  and  we  observed  a  horseman  ride 
through  the  crowd  purposely  to  let  his  horse  trample  the 
books.  It  was  a  very  bad  exhibition  of  a  very  lawless 
nature.  Also  visited  the  Arsenal,  winch  contained  a  large 
asM.rtment  of  military  goods.  Among  other  weapons  of 
warfare  were  a  few  thousand  pikes,  and  as  many  cut- 
lasses— formidable  looking  weapons,  indeed,  but  of  little 
value  when  pilled  against  Spencer  rifles.  In  the  State 
IIoiiM-  were  twenty  or  thirty  cases  of  muskets.  The 
Arsenal  was  binned  yesterday  evening. 


AMONG   THE    SWAMPS.  115 

The  manufacture  oi  cotton  goods  has  been  carried  on 
quite  extensively  in  this  city.  I>y  the  destruction  of  the 
machinery  the  business  is  effectually  suspended.  By  this 
suspension  many  poor  people  are  thrown  out  of  employ- 
ment. Jn  addition  to  this  misfortune,  they  have  had 
much  of  their  personal  property  taken  from  them.  Thus 
the  hardships  of  Avar  fall  most  heavily  on  those  least  able 
to  bear  them,  and  who  are  least  responsible  for  the  exist- 
ence of  war. 

Nearly  all  of  the  citizens  have  left  the  place.  When 
we  marched  in,  keeping  step  to  inspiring  martial  music, 
the  sidewalks  and  doorways  were  thronged  with 
delighted  negroes.  Some  of  their  ecstatic  demonstra- 
tions were  ludicrous  in  the  extreme.  The  white  friends 
of  the  Union,  if  such  there  are  in  that  section,  were  not 
visible.  We  are,  indeed,  in  a  land  of  enemies. 

FRIDAY,  Nov.  25th. 

Our  march  of  yesterday,  which  commenced  early  in 
the  morning  terminated  this  morning  at  3  o'clock.  Dis- 
tance,  ten  miles.  Our  Division  guarded  the  wagon 
trains,  and  the  frequent  miring  of  the  teams  in  mud  holes 
was  the  cause  of  our  slow  progress.  The  night  was  very 
cold,  and  great  fires  were  built  along  the  line  of  march, 
simply  by  kindling  the  pine  rail  fences,  which  burned 
very  rapidly.  Among  the  rough  experiences  of  the  sol- 
dier, there  is  hardly  anything  to  be  named  that  is  more 
disagreeable  than  a  night  march,  especially  if  the  night 
is  cold,  and  he  must  keep  pace  with  a  slow  moving 
wagon  train. 

We  are  moving  in  the  direction  of  Sandersville. 
*         *         #         *         *         *         *         *         * 

The  enemy  having  burned  the  bridge  over  a  small 
creek,  the  column  halts  to-night  five  miles  from  the  carnp 
we  left  this  morning. 

We  are  passing  through  a  very  swampy  country.  The 
soil  is  sandy.  The  water  in  the  swamps  is  clear,  and 
the  sandy  bottom,  where  washed  by  the  waters,  is  beau- 
tifully white.  The  forests  of  pine  become  more  grand 
as  we  advance.  We  noticed  patches  of  cane  brake  near 
the  edge  of  the  swamps;  have  also  seen  the  palmetto 


11C       HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

t^  cc.  We  still  have  an  abundant  supply  of  rations, — 
(  rawn  from  the  country.  Tin-  rebels  can  have  no  excuse 
>.•>!•  starving  our  prisoners.  There  is  no  scarcity  of  pro- 
visions in  this  country. 

SATURDAY,  Nov.  26th. 

"  Becalmed  "  in  the  heart  of  the  Confederacy  !     Such, 

rt  least,  seems  to  be  our  present  condition.     We  are  in  a 

i  egion  of  swamps.     These  are  dull,  hazy,   dreamy  days, 

and  the  column  moves  tediously  along,  sometimes  halting 

or  hours.     We  moved  this  morning   quite   early,  and  it 

B  now  afternoon ;  yet  we  are  not  more  than   one    mile 

rom  the  camping  ground  of  last  night.     As  if  to  relieve 

whe  tedious  hours  of  waiting,  the  band  is  playing.     It 

.uas  just  played  Annie  Laurie. 

Contrabands  are  constantly  coming  to  us.  They  are 
greatly  excited  throughout  this  section  of  the  country. 
This  Yankee  raid  is  a  huge  event  in  their  eyes,  and  the 
ruling  thought  in  their  minds  is  thus  expressed  whenever 
neighboring  darkies  meet :  "  Is  you  g'wine .?" 

We  have  passed  the  Buifalo  Creek  swamps,  and  are 
now  on  higher  ground,  and  may  expect  better  roads. 
Wheeler's  cavalry  is  hovering  about  us.  They  attacked 
the  advance  of  our  column  yesterday,  and  there  has  been 
gome  skirmishing  in  the  front  to-day. 

Went  into  camp  this  evening  at  Sandersville,  before 
sunset.  Camping  at  such  an  early  hour  is  something  of 
a  novelty  with  us,  and  it  may  be  attributed  to  the  prox- 
imity of  rebel  cavalry  Distance  marched,  eleven  miles. 
In  the  skirmish  yesterday,  the  9th  111.  Mounted  Infantry 
lost  one  man.  He  was  buried  in  a  field  by  the  road- 
side. • 

We  hear  but  little  of  the  right  wing  of  our  army.  The 
14th  Corps  is  now  on  our  left. 

SUNDAY,  Nov.  2Vth. 

This  has  been  a  warm,  Indian-Summer  day.  Our 
march  has  been  quite  interesting.  The  negroes  are 
literally  line-king  in  to  join  the  Yankees — old  and  young, 
and  of  all  shades  of  color.  Their  grand  exodus  from 
this  part  of  (ieorgia  will  seriously  damage  the  cause  of 
rebellion.  It  must  be  elcmciatingly  painful  for  the 
slaveholders  to  see  their  property  walk  off  thus, 


AX    ARMY    IX    ECSTACIES.  117 

thousands  of  dollars  at  a  time  !  Some  of  these  wretched 
children  of  Ham  present  a  repulsive  appearance,  as  they 
trudge  along  in  their  miserable  rags,  seeking  their  free- 
dom. 

There  was  another  skirmish  to-day  in  the  %dvance. 
The  column  was  not  delayed  by  it.  Towards  night  we 
passed  a  burning  mansion,  which  had  been  an  elegant 
structure.  We  were  told  that  it  had  been  fired  because 
the  rebels  attacked  our  advance  at  that  place. 

This  is  a  rich  section  of  country.  The  foragers  bring 
in  fresh  pork,  chickens,  turkies,  yams,  molasses,  and  no 
one  knows  how  great  a  variety  of  preserves.  Talk  of 
starving  the  Southern  Confederacy !  The  idea  is  hugely 
ridiculous.  The  people  have  as  much  to  eat  as  our  own 
people  have,  and  they  raise  a  greater  variety  of  edibles. 

The  business  of  foraging  is  most  effectually  done.  For 
instance,  in  our  own  regiment  four  or  five  men  are 
detailed  every  day  from  each  company,  and  these  men 
roam  almost  unrestrained  through  the  country.  The 
column  of  troops  takes  everything  at  the  roaclside.  The 
foragers  go  far  away,  and  at  night  come  in  loaded  with 
provisions.  They  bring  in  a  great  many  horses  and 
mules.  The  citizens  endeavor  to  secrete  many  things, 
and  thus  save  them  from  the  "  rapacious  Yankees,"  but 
they  have  not  always  been  successful.  Some  men  of  Co. 
C  found  a  barrel  of  sugar  secreted  in  an  orchard  to-day. 
It  is  very  white  and  nice.  Indeed,  but  little  can  escape 
these  experienced  foragers.  On  an  average  our  forces 
are  "  cleaning  out "  a  scope  of  country  forty  miles  wide, 
through  the  heart  of  the  Confederacy. 

Marched  fifteen  miles  to-day.  Crossed  the  Georgia 
Central  Railroad  at  Tenille.  Part  of  the  Corps  has  been 
at  work  destroying  the  track.  We  are  encamped  near 
Davisboro.  As  I  write — about  8  o'clock  p.  M. — the 
camp  is  hilariously  jubilant.  The  soldiers  yell,  cheer 
and  laugh  like  wild  men.  At  times  a  spontaneous  cheer 
breaks  out  in  one  regiment,  and  is  echoed  and  repeated, 
apparently,  by  the  whole  corps.  Just  now  a  band  is 
playing.  O,  who  that  participates  in  this  raid  can  ever 
forget  these  scenes?  An  army,  apparently,  on  a 


118        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.-  INFANTKY    VOLS. 

"bender!"  Doubtless  the  Great  Raider  is  in  his  ele- 
ment, and  as  happy  as  his  men.  There  is  only  one 
thought  to  sadden  the  thoughtful :  amid  this  waste  ami 
destruct^m,  many  who  are  innocent  must  suffer. 

Immense  quantities  of  cotton  are  burned  every  day, 
as  we  advance.  As  the  dense  columns  of  smoke  roll  up 
towards  the  sky,  we  mentally  exclaim,  "  Cotton  is  not 
King!" 

The  band  at  this  moment  plays  that  noble  air,  "  Hail 
Columbia."  If  there  are  any  rebels  within  hearing  dis- 
tance they  must  think  all  Yankeedom  is  here,  having  a 
grand  jubilee. 

Distance  marched  to-day  thirteen  miles. 

MONDAY,  Nov.  28th. 

The  above  day  and  date  have  just  passed,  it  being 
now  after  midnight — that  is  the  morning  of  the  29th. 
We  have  been  busy  in  our  line  of  duty  up  to  this  hour. 
Must  now  secure  a  few  hours  of  sleep. 

TUESDAY,  Nov.  29th. 

It  is  now  almost  noon,  and  we  still  remain  in  camp. 
The  weather  is  very  warm.  We  marched  yesterday 
eleven  miles  and  camped  before  night.  The  bridge 
across  the  Ogeechee  River,  just  ahead  of  us,  having  been 
destroyed  by  the  enemy,  we  were  compelled  to  halt. 
The  plantation  of  Herschel  V.  Johnson  is  about  three 
miles  from  our  camp.  Men  of  our  regiment  who  visited 
it  state  that  it  is  well  stocked  with  negroes.  The  house- 
hold property  had  been  buried  on  the  premises.  The 
soldiers  discovered  the  place  where  it  was  buried,  ex- 
humed the  boxes  and  helped  themselves. 

Our  rations  are  still  of  the  best  quality.  Our  mess 
had  for  breakfast  this  morning  "  corn  pones,"  fresh  pork, 
sweet  potatoes,  sausages  and  butter. 

It  is  becoming  apparent  that  unprincipled  men  are 
taking  advantage  of  the  license  given  them  to  forage, 
and  are  pillaging.  No  one  can  tell  what  outrages  may 
not  be  committed  by  these  villains.  Many  have  aban- 
doned all  principles  of  justice  and  morality,  and  only 
seek  to  gratify  their  own  desires.  Alas  !  when  will  the 
days  of  rapine  and  bloodshed  be  past? 


A   NEGRO  FAMILY   IN    SEARCH    OF   FREEDOM.          119 

Marched  four  miles  and  crossed  the  Ogeechee  River 
and  Rocky  Comfort  Creek.  The  bridge  across  the  Ogee- 
chee which  the  rebels  destroyed  was  an  important  struc- 
ture. We  crossed  on  pontoons. 

Passed  through  the  small  town  of  Louisville,  the  shire- 
town  of  Jefferson  county.  It  has  an  ancient  appearance. 

WEDNESDAY,  Nov.  30th. 

Have  remained  in  camp  to-day.  Nothing  of  im- 
portance to  chronicle. 

THURSDAY,  Dec.  1st. 

The  day's  march  is  now  over,  and  we  camp  six  miles 
from  our  camp  of  last  night.  We  learn  this  evening 
that  the  mounted  men  of  our  brigade  had  an  exciting 
little  fight  some  miles  away  from  the  road.  The  squad 
was  out  taking  horses  and  mules.  A  detachment  of 
rebel  cavalry  attacked  them,  and  when  our  men  found 
they  could  not  drive  the  enemy,  a  retreat  commenced, 
and  a  running  fight  ensued.  Three  of  our  men  fell  into 
their  hands.  Some  of  the  captured  property  was  aban- 
doned to  the  enemy. 

We  witnessed  a  scene  to-day  that  would  attract  no 
little  attention  at  home.  It  might  be  termed  a  negro 
family  in  search  of  freedom.  A  small,  tough,  and  some- 
what venerable  negress  led  the  way,  bearing  a  bundle 
which  was  poised  upon  her  head.  A  young  negro  child 
was  clinging  to  her  back,  and  was  sustained  in  its  posi- 
tion by  her  hands.  Following  her  was  a  girl  perhaps 
twelve  years  old.  She  also  carried  a  young  one  in  her 
arms.  All  were  most  wretchedly  clothed.  Their  dresses, 
which  had  been  patched  and  re-patched  until  the  origi- 
nal cloth  had  lost  its  identity,  were  faded  and  greasy, 
and  it  would  seem  that  they  had  worn  no  others  for 
years.  The  old  negress  had  a  disconsolate  but  deter- 
mined look,  and  pressed  on  perseveringly  with  her 
burden. 

We  realize  more  fully  the  grandeur  of  this  great  raid. 
All  the  principal  railroads  of  the  Confederacy  will  be 
rendered  useless  during  the  remainder  of  the  war.  We 
are  fighting  railroads!  When  these  are  thoroughly  de- 
stroyed, the  rebel  army  will  be  in  a  sorry  condition  to 
oppose  us. 


120        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

FRIDAY,  Dec.  2d. 

How  ridiculous  to  write  December  above  these  lines ! 
The  sun's  rays  are  intensely  warm,  and  the  sky  has  not 
the  appearance  of  our  Northern  winter  sky. 

****** 

Our  brigade  is  in  the  rear  of  the  eolumn,  and  we  are 
therefore  in  close  proximity  to  the  contrabands  who  fol- 
low us.  When  we  halt  they  continue  on,  in  order  to  be 
more  surely  protected  by  our  arms.  A  squad  of  six 
women,  ten  or  twelve  children  and  one  man  has  just 
passed.  They  have  the  squalid  and  folorn  appearance 
common  to  the  fugitives  from  this  part  of  the  South. 
****** 

1 1  o ^  clock  P.  M. — At  length  we  are  ready  to  go  to  bed. 
Marched  fourteen  miles,  and  camped  long  after  dark. 

SATURDAY,  Dec.  3d. 

We  have  halted  for  dinner  five  miles  west  of  Millen. 
Moved  quite  early,  but  have  marched  slowly.  The 
country  is  very  sandy  and  very  swampy. 

To-day,  for  the  first  time,  we  have  seen  cypress 
swamps.  These  are  so  full  of  cypress  trees  that  they 
seem  almost  impenetrable.  In  the  vicinity  of  these 
swamps,  Spanish  moss  is  very  abundant.  Those  who 
have  never  seen  it  may  realize  what  its  appearance  is 
from  such  an  illustration  as  this:  Imagine  a  tree  that 
has  all  of  its  limbs  draped  with  long,  wavy  tufts  of  flax, 
ready  for  the  spinning-wheel.  These  tufts  hang  very 
straight  when  not  stirred  by  the  breeze,  and  beautifully 
fringe  the  limbs  from  which  they  depend.  This  moss  is 
much  used  in  the  upholstery  business. 

The  pine  groves  through  which  we  are  passing  are 
more  beautiful  than  any  we  have  heretofore  seen.  Lau- 
rel and  live  oak  are  very  common. 

We  passed  a  mill  pond  to-day  which  formed  a  pretty 
picture.  The  pond  was  surrounded  with  cypress  trees, 
which  were  all  heavily  draped  with  moss,  and  the  edges 
of  the  pond  were  full  of  water  lilies.  The  old  mill  with 
its  waterfall  made  the  picture  complete. 

We  passed  near  the  ground  where  the  Union  prison- 
ers have  been  confined,  a  few  miles  from  .Millen.  Those 
who  visited  the  spot  state  that  it  was  a  wretched  prison. 


A   PAINFUL    ILLUSION.  121 

The  only  houses  the  prisoners  had  were  made  of  sod, 
and  were  not  more  than  two  or  three  feet  high.  The 
remains  of  Union  prisoners  were  found  there  unburied. 
The  prisoners  were  hastily  removed  from  the  place  very 
recently. 

We  crossed  the  remains  of  the  Savannah  and  Augusta 
Railroad.  Several  brigades  have  been  at  work  destroy- 
ing it,  and  many  miles  of  it  have  been  rendered  useless. 

Marched  fifteen  miles,  leaving  Millen  to  the  right,  and 
camping  five  miles  east  of  the  railroad. 

The  15th  and  17th  corps  have  been  marching  on 
parallel  roads  a  few  miles  south  of  us.  We1  have  as  yet 
met  with  no  serious  opposition.  Kilpatrick  had  a  fight 
the  other  day,  the  particulars  of  which  we  have  not  yet 
learned.  Aside  from  this  there  has  only  been  occasional 
skirmishing. 

SUNDAY,  Dec.  4th. 

Marched  ten  miles  through  a  swampy  region.  Nothing 
of  material  interest  to  chronicle. 

MONDAY,  Dec.  5th. 

Still  among  the  swamps  !  Camp  this  evening  seven 
miles  from  our  camp  of  last  night.  The  Savannah  River 
at  the  nearest  point  is  about  twelve  miles  distant.  The 
enemy  skirmished  with  our  advance  this  morning,  but 
made  no  stubborn  resistance. 

The  country  through  which  we  pass  is  terribly 
scourged.  We  can  hardly  convey  an  idea  of  the  visible 
effects  of  this  stupendous  raid.  At  times  the  whole  cir- 
cle of  the  horizon  is  dark  with  the  smoke  that  arises 
from  fires  which  are  far  away  from  our  own  column. 
During  several  days  past  the  grass  has  been  burning  in 
the  woods,  and  everything  combustible  is  in  a  blaze. 
Seen  far  in  advance  at  night,  these  fires  often  lead  the 
weary  soldiers  to  believe  that  they  are  approaching 
camp,  and  they  press  on  with  renewed  vigor,  only  to  be 
deceived,  and  to  discover  other  fires  still  farther  ahead. 
The  dead  pine  trees  often  catch  fire,  and  the  creeping, 
writhing  flames  ascend  from  their  base  to  the  topmost 
branches.  They  may  be  seen  miles  away.  These  scenes 
are  indelibly  impressed  upon  the  mind.  Boys  who  are 


122        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

with  us  will  one  day  take  their  grand-children  upon  their 
knees,  and  tell  them  of  these  strange,  wild  scenes  ;  and 
as  they  tell  them  they  will  vainly  endeavor  to  repress  the 
tears  which  such  memories,  with  all  their  glowing  associ- 
ations, cannot  fail  to  bring. 

The  face  of  the  country  since  we  left  Stone  Mountain, 
near  Atlanta,  has  been  uniformly  level.  We  see  no 
hills — simply  elevations.  A  kind  of  tough,  wire  grass, 
such  as  is  common  on  bottom  lands  in  Illinois,  grows 
quite  heavily  here,  and  forms  so  thick  a  coating  that  we 
have  soft  beds,  ready-made  when  we  camp. 

TUESDAY,  Dec.  6th. 

We  are  not  more  than  thirty-five  miles  from  Savannah. 
Have  been  marching  parallel  with  the  river,  and  camp 
ten  miles  northwest  of  Springfield.  The  rebels  endeav- 
ored to  impede  our  progress  by  felling  trees  across  the 
road.  The  obstructions  were  easily  removed  or  evaded. 

WEDNESDAY,  Dec.  7th. 

The  102d  has  been  in  advance  of  the  Corps  to-day, 
and  with  the  other  regiments  of  the  brigade,  has  just  en- 
tered the  town  of  Springfield.  A  company  has  been  de- 
tailed as  provost  guard,  and  is  guarding  the  houses  of 
citizens.  But  alas,  for  these  over  prudent  citizens !  They 
buried  their  household  goods  in  grounds  adjoining  their 
houses,  and  the  soldiers  have  discovered  them.  An 
almost  endless  variety  of  articles  have  been  exhumed. 
Some  are  bringing  away  clothing,  others  blankets,  others 
fine  dishes,  silver  spoons,  etc.  One  man  has  just  passed 
us  dressed  as  a  lady,  only  his  toilet  was  rather  rudely 

made. 

****** 

We  camp  to-night  in  Springfield,  which  is  the  county 
seat  of  Effingham  county.  It  is  in  a  swamp  country,  and 
is  so  old  and  moss-grown  that  it  appears  to  be  a  product 
of  the  swamps.  There  are  several  churches  in  the  place, 
all  of  a  rude  style. 

This  afternoon  we  found  the  road  obstructed  with 
fallen  trees  at  a  point  where  it  crossed  a  swamp. 
The  rebels  had  worked  very  hard,  and  had  thrown  a 


EXECUTION    OF   A   LOYAL   CITIZEN.  123 

great  many  trees  across  the  road.  They  undoubtedly 
supposed  we  would  find  the  difficulty  almost  insur- 
mountable. Well,  what  did  we  do?  Why,  simply 
marched  around  the  obstructions !  It  is  true,  we  found 
the  new  road  a  very  rough  one ;  but  the  general  delay 
caused  by  the  prodigious  efforts  of  the  enemy  will  not 
fulfill  their  expectations.  The  tide  of  Yankees  rolls 
oceanward,  and  will  hardly  be  stayed  by  anything  that 
stands  in  the  way. 

TUESDAY,  Dec.  8th. 

We  write  this  at  7  o'clock  p.  M.,  by  the  light  of  burning 
buildings.     We  are  about  to  resume  the  march. 
****** 

Midnight. — Still  on  the  road !  Swamps  impede  our 
progress.  Heavy  canonading  is  heard  in  the  direction 
of  the  river. 

A  Springfield  negro  who  accompanies  us  has  given 
us  a  full  account  of  a  case  of  hanging  which  took  place 
in  Springfield  on  the  llth  day  of  July,  1861.  On  that 
day,  a  prominent  citizen,  named  Brad.  Jones,  was  taken 
by  a  mob  composed  of  his  fellow  citizens,  and  was 
hanged  by  the  neck  until  dead.  His  crime  was  loyalty 
to  the  Union  !  We  wrere  informed  that  our  regiment 
camped  near  the  spot  where  he  was  executed.  His  aged 
mother  still  resides  in  Springfield.  He  was  her  only 
son,  and,  it  is  said,  was  a  good  man.  We  learned  these 
facts  after  leaving  Springfield.  The  torch  did  not  do  its 
perfect  work  there. 

FRIDAY,  Dec.  9th. 

It  is  now  almost  midnight  again,  and  we  have  been 
constantly  on  the  road  since  ^yesterday  evening,  and 
have  had  no  sleep  since  that  time.  Have  marched  six- 
teen miles  since  leaving  Springfield. 

SATURDAY,  Dec.  10th. 

Were  in  motion  again  by  daylight  this  morning. 
Have  marched  nine  miles,  and  halted  four  and  a  half 
miles  from  Savannah.  The  rebels  are  in  line  of  battle 
immediately  in  front.  Skirmishing  is  going  on  quite 
lively,  farther  to  the  right,  and  there  is  considerable  ar- 
tillery firing — the  old  familiar  sounds  again  ! 


124       HISTORY    OF    THE    102D   ILL.    INFANTRY   VOLS. 

We  have  omitted  to  mention  that  the  advance  of  our 
corps  captured  two  small  earthworks  yesterday.  They 
are  located  about  three  miles  north  of  the  railroad,  and 
were  defended  by  about  400  men,  with  two  or  three 
pieces  of  artillery.  They  fired  a  few  shots,  skirmished  a 
little,  and  then  skedaddled. 

We  camp  to-night  in  line  of  battle.  (End  of  the 
Diary.) 


Our  "  siege  of  Savannah"  lasted  ten  days.  The  per- 
manent line  of  battle  was  established  on  the  llth  of  the 
month.  No  approaches  were  made  after  that  time,  until 
the  rebel  line  was  abandoned.  The  cannonading  on  the 
part  of  the  enemy  was  much  of  the  time  heavy  but  did 
little  damage.  The  skirmishers  were  close  together  and 
kept  up  a  lively  contest. 

On  the  15th  of  the  month  we  received  official  notice 
of  the  capture  of  Fort  McAllister,  and  consequent  open- 
ing of  communication  with  the  Federal  fleet. 

The  celebrated  swamp  bridge  was  commenced  on  the 
13th.  This  bridge  was  designed  to  span  a  wide,  deep 
swamp  which  for  some  distance  separated  the  opposing 
armies.  The  work  was  prosecuted  at  night,  and  often 
under  a  heavy  fire  of  artillery,  the  enemy  throwing 
grapeshot  and  shells.  The  water  was  from  two  to  four 
feet  deep,  and  the  bottom  in  many  places  was  composed 
of  loose  black  mud,  which  seemed  to  extend  downwards 
ad  infnitum.  Working  under  fire,  and  floundering 
around  in  the  mud,  the  fatigue  parties  had  an  unenviable 
task  to  perform. 

It  seemed  absurd  to  suppose  that  a  column  moving  by 
the  flank  across  a  narrow  bridge,  could  make  a  success- 
ful assault  on  the  enemy's  works.  Daily  the  question 
was  discussed  in  camp,  and  nocturnally  the  work  pro- 
gressed. Fortunately  the  bridge  was  never  used. 

There,  as  at  other  places,  the  opposing  pickets  some- 
times became  communicative.  Captain  3Ierritt,  in  his 
diary,  reports  the  following  colloquy  between  a  Union 
and  a  rebel  picket,  about  the  time  the  work  on  the  bridge 
was  progressing. 

The  rebel  commenced  thus  :  "  O  !  Yanks,  where  do 
your  rations  come  from  ? 


THE    SWAMP    BRIDGE.  125 

federal.  Fi:om  Fort  McAllister.  Who  runs  the  rice 
mills  on  the  river  ? 

Rebel.  (Dodges  the  question.)  Who  was  elected 
President  ? 

Federal.     Lincoln. 

Rebel.     Hurrah  !  for  Jeff.  Davis. 

Federal.     We  have  a  rope  to  hang  him. 

Rebel.     Come  over. 

Federal.     Can't  get  over. 

Rebel.  Come  over  on  the  new  bridge  you  are  building 
across  the  swamp  ! 

The  firing  of  a  big  rebel  gun  at  that  instant  interrupted 
the  conversation  and  it  was  not  immediately  resumed. 

Our  rations  during  those  ten  days  consisted  mainly  of 
rice.  Immense  quantities  of  this  cereal  were  in  store 
near  the  river  and  on  the  islands.  In  a  brief  space  of 
time  the  rice  mills  were  all  at  work,  and  the  negroes, 
men,  women  and  children,  were  hulling  rice  with  mortar 
and  pestle.  If  all  other  resources  had  failed,  the  army 
could  have  been  subsisted  on  rice  for  an  indefinite 
length  of  time.  As  it  was  we  had  rice  for  breakfast, 
rice  for  dinner,  rice  for  supper,  prepared  in  all  conceiva- 
ble styles.  It  was  cheap  living,  and  rather  a  light  diet. 

The  scene  at  the  rice  mills  on  the  river  banks  was  one 
of  the  greatest  activity.  Heavy  details  of  soldiers  were 
busy  running  the  mills,  day  and  night.  Teams  loaded 
with  rice,  or  rice  straw,  were  constantly  coming  and  go- 
ing. But  the  most  grotesque  feature  of  the  scene  was 
that  in  which  the  African  figured.  Every  shade,  every 
caste,  every  size ;  all  varieties  of  form  and  physiognomy 
were  there  represented — the  handsome  octoroon,  the 
natural  negro,  and  the  uncouth,  animal  looking  blacks 
who  seemed  scarcely  one  remove  from  the  ourang- 
outang — all  or  nearly  all  clothed  in  the  most  wretched 
manner.  Many  of  them  used  the  French  language  and 
could  not  understand  a  word  of  English. 

We  observed  one  old  negress,  whose  features  appeared 
to  have  been  toughened  by  a  hundred  years  of  work  and 
exposure.  Her  hide  must  have  been  almost  bullet  proof. 


126         HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    IXFANTBY   VOLS. 

She  c;ould  "  tnlk  English"  l)iit  did  not  know  her  own  age. 
(Vouched  on  the  lloor  of  her  cabin,  her  repulsive  fea- 
tures jnst  visible  above  her  knees,  as  she'  worked  with 
mortar  and  pestle,  she  seemed  to  be  a  type  of  the  very 
lowest  form  of  humanity.  Poor  creatures,  they  scarcely 
reali/ed  their  own  wretchedness. 

The  soldiers  made  frequent  expeditions  to  the  islands 
in  the  river  and  occasionally  crossed  to  the  South  Caro- 
lina shore.  Company  "I"  was  for  a  time  on  detached 
service  seven  miles  up  the  river,  on  an  island,  running  a 
rice  mill. 

Running  rice  mdls  was  a  novel  experience  in  the  life 
of  the  raiders,  but  they  were  ready  for  anything  that 
would  aid  the  cause  and  gratify  their  epicurean  appetites. 

The  change  from  the  mountain  regions  of  Northern 
Georgia  to  the  flat  country  around  Savannah,  was  very 
striking.  The  weather  was  much  of  the  time  delightful, 
but  was  rendered  less  so  by  the  heavy  fogs  which  pre- 
vailed each  morning.  We  had  never  seen  such  fogs  be- 
fore. The  vapor  was  so  dense  that  the  water  would 
drop  from  the  trees  like  rain  for  hours  every  morning. 

Among  other  novelties  in  that  vicinity,  the  huge  live 
oaks  attracted  universal  attention.  These  grow  to  a 
fabulous  size,  spreading  their  broad  arms  over  an  im- 
mense area  of  ground.  They  are  usually  draped  with 
Spanish  moss.  In  those  pleasant  December  mornings, 
standing  beneath  the  beautifully  draped  evergreen 
brai.ehes  of  the  huge  oaks,  while  the  fog  wreaths  could 
scarcely  be  distinguished  from  the  wavy  tresses  of  moss, 
one  could  hardly  resist  the  impression  that  he  had  been 
transported  into  "  fairy  land." 

Amid  so  much  that  was  novel  and  interesting  time  did 
not  drag  heavily  as  we  waited  there  for  mail  and  hard- 
tack. The  first  mail  came  on  the  17th,  bringing  letters 
and  newspapers.  Then  the  soldiers  were  happy.  Hard 
bread  was  received  and  issiu  d  on  the  20th  ;  none  had 
been  issued  to  the  men  for  twenty  days. 

Marly  <>n  the  morning  of  Dec.  21st,  we  were  informed 
that  the  rebels  had  abandoned  their  works,  and  that  the 
2d  Div'iMon  of  our  Corps  was  in  motion  towards  the  city. 


OCCUPATION  OF  SAVANNAH.  127 

Our  Brigade,  (except  the  79th  Ohio  Regiment,  which 
h;ul  moved  to  the  right,)  was  soon  on  the  road.  At  9 
o'clock  A.  M.,  we  marched  into  an  open  field  a  quarter  of 
a  mile  \vest  of  the  city  and  went  into  camp.  The  Stars 
and  Stripes  were  then  waving  from  the  City  Hall.  Sa- 
vannah, with  all  its  rich  stores,  was  in  the  hands  of  the 
Federal  army. 


128       HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 


CHAPTER    X. 

A  Look  Northward.  The  short  rest  at  Savannah. 
Crossing  the  Savannah  River.  Cheves*  Farm.  Har- 
dee  Farm.  Hardeeville.  Robertsville.  THE  MARCH 

THROUGH    THE    CAROLINAS. 

As  the  Federal  picket  paced  to  and  fro  on  the  South 
bank  of  the  Savannah  River,  his  eye  often  wandered 
northward,  across  the  wide  stream  to  the  dark  woods  of 
South  Carolina. 

"  When  we  move  again  let  us  go  into  South  Carolina." 
This  sentiment  pervaded  all  hearts,  and  the  wish  ex- 
pressed on  every  hand  was  soon  to  be  realized. 

Our  stay  at  Savannah  was  even  more  brief  than  we 
had  anticipated.  While  there  Colonel  Smith  obtained  a 
leave  of  absence  with  permission  to  visit  his  home.  The 
Colonel  had  won  golden  opinions  as  a  brigade  com- 
mander. Colonel  H.  Case,  of  the  129th  Illinois  Regi- 
ment, succeeded  him  in  command  of  the  Brigade.  At 
Savannah  Captain  H.  H.  Clay  was  mustered  in  as  Major. 

Regular  camps  were  then  laid  out,  and  the  men  worked 
busily  from  the  21st  to  the  31st  of  the  month  construct- 
ing board  quarters.  A  grand  review  of  the  army  by 
General  Sherman  took  place  while  there.  The  20th 
Corps  was  reviewed  on  the  30th  of  the  month.  Next 
day  the  3d  Division  was  put  in  motion  to  cross  the  river. 
We  left  our  little  village  of  newly  finished  huts  at  day- 
light— 1st  Brigade  in  advance — 102d  in  advance  of  the 
Brigade.  Crossed  on  a  pontoon  bridge  to  llutehinson's 
Island.  This  island  is  several  miles  in  length,  and  from 
a  mile  to  a  mile  and  a  half  in  breadth.  It  is  barely  above 
water  when  the  tide  is  out.  Embankments  thrown  up 
for  the  purpose  prevent  the  overflow  of  the  island.  It 
is  well  cultivated  and  produces  immense  quantities  of 


CROSSING    THE    SAVANNAH   RIVER.  129 

rice.  By  a  system  of  canals  with  locks,  it  is  overflowed 
at  certain  periods  for  the  benefit  of  the  growing  crop. 
The  canals  traverse  the  island  from  one  channel  of  the 
river  to  the  other,  and  when  the  tide  was  in,  the  water  in 
them  was  much  higher  than  the  surface  of  the  island. 

On  the  embankment  of  one  of  these  canals  we  marched 
to  the  second  channel.  There  the  rebel  pickets  on  the 
South  Carolina  shore  opened  fire  upon  us.  Artillery 
was  brought  up,  and  by  several  well  directed  shots  the 
enemy  was  driven  away.  One  man  in  the  Regiment 
was  slightly  wounded.  Efforts  were  being  made  to  lay 
a  pontoon  bridge.  Companies  A  and  F  were  sent  across 
in  small  boats  to  an  island  in  the  channel,  to  keep  back 
the  enemy's  skirmishers  while  the  work  on  the  bridge 
progressed.  It  was  "  a  cold,  misty,  rainy  day."  In  the 
afternoon  the  wind  arose  and  the  channel  became  so 
rough  that  it  was  impossible  to  continue  the  work  of  lay- 
ing down  pontoons.  It  was  difficult  and  dangerous  to 
communicate  with  the  companies  on  the  little  island. 
This  was  done,  however,  by  Captain  T.  H.  Andrews  and 
George  Dew,  ("  the  sharpshooter.")  The  wind  was  blow- 
ing at  the  time,  most  fiercely  and  the  white  caps  were 
rolling  magnificently.  Their  frail  boat  was  in  imminent 
danger  of  being  swamped,  but  they  managed  it  skilfully 
and  crossed  safely. 

Late  in  the  afternoon  the  102d,  except  the  two  compa- 
nies on  the  little  island,  was  marched  back  to  the  Savan- 
nah landing.  There  we  boarded  the  steamer  Black  Dia- 
mond, and  went  down  the  river  with  the  intention  of 
flanking  the  island  and  effecting  a  landing  on  the  Caro- 
lina shore.  As  we  turned  the  lower  point  of  the  island 
and  began  to  move  up  towards  the  channel  north  of  it, 
the  rebel  cavalry  pickets  could  be  seen  on  shore  skedad- 
dling in  fine  style.  But  we  were  again  thwarted  in  our 
purpose.  The  tide  being  out,  the  pilot  said  he  was 
afraid  to  attempt  the  passage  of  a  bar  near  the  point  of 
the  island.  It  was  finally  arranged  that  the  vessel 
should  steam  back  to  the  wharf  and  make  another  at- 
tempt at  high  tide  next  morning — or  rather  next  year! 

The  evening  of  the  31st  of  December,  1864,  was  very 
cold  at  Savannah — cold  at  least  for  that  region.  Ice 
formed  during  the  night  a  half  inch  in  thickiu •-•«. 


130        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY   VOLS. 

On  that,  miserable  little  boat,  nearly  destitute  of  ra- 
tions, shivering  \vith  cold,  we  passed  the  closing  hours 
of  the  year  1804,  and  witnessed  the  da\vn  of  the  new 
year.  The  men  were  stowed  away  in  every  nook  and 
corner  of  the  vessel ;  as  many  as  possible  crowded  about 
the  boiler  works. 

Next  morning,  the  70th  Indiana  joined  us  on  the  boat, 
and  by  noon  a  landing  on  the  opposite  shore  was  effected 
without  opposition. 

We  marched  the  same  even;ng,  five  miles  out,  to 
Cheves'  Farm,  crossing  the  bottom  land  north  of  the 
river.  This  lowland  is  also  below  tide  water,  and  like 
Ilutchinson's  Island,  is  cultivated  by  the  aid  of  embank- 
ments, canals,  &c.  It  extends  nearly  five  miles  back 
from  the  river. 

The  rebels  were  near  by,  and  had  been  busy  near 
Cheves'  Farm  felling  trees  to  obstruct  our  progress. 
Their  labors  subsequently  occasioned  some  heavy  fatigue 
work,  but  the  road  was  cleared  as  soon  as  the  army  was 
ready  to  proceed  beyond  that  point. 

We  camped  that  evening  (Jan.  1st)  where  the  timber 
was  principally  pine — which,  in  its  green  state,  makes 
very  poor  fire-wood.  The  night  was  cold  ;  the  men  had 
suffered  during  the  previous  night,  and  were  therefore 
more  determined  to  make  themselves  comfortable.  It 
did  not  take  them  long  to  decide  how  this  should  be 
accomplished — they  were  in  South  Carolina  ! 

There  were  several  unoccupied  houses  and  barns  near 
by,  and  we  had  been  in  camp  but  a  fe\v  moments  when 
the  work  of  demolition  commenced.  The  entire  brigade 
was  represented  in  the  work  of  destruction.  The  crash- 
ing of  falling  timbers,  the  ripping  loose  of  the  siding, 
and  the  general  clatter  of  hammers  made  such  an  uproar 
that  some  of  the  men  who  had  lain  down  to  sleep  actually 
thought  the  enemy  was  making  an  attaek. 

Our  camp  was  on  the  premises  of  lion.  Langdon 
Clu-ves — once  a  prominent  South  Carolina  si-ce^>i«>nist. 
While  we  were  in  the  vicinity,  his  home  was  used  for 
Division  headquarters.  Among  his  papers  were  numer- 
ous printed  copies  of  a  speech  made  by  him  at  Nashville, 
j  the  year  1850. 


DESTRUCTION    OF    VACANT   BUILDINGS.  131 

Speaking  then  of  the  course  the  Yankees  would  pur- 
sue, in  case  the  South  seceded,  he  said: 

"  Will  they  invade  us — where  is  their  army  ?" 

It  is  enough  to  say  that  we  were  then  encamped  upon 
his  premises  ;  but  ah  !  thought  we,  where  is  Mr.  Cheves  ? 
We  were  informed  that  he  fell  in  battle  at  Charleston, 
the  victim  of  his  own  false  teachings. 

There  was  much  beautiful  shrubbery  in  the  grounds 
adjoining  his  residence.  But  while  we  were  there  every- 
thing about  his  once  peaceful  home  was  rapidly  going  to 
destruction. 

We  moved  on  the  4th  to  a  new  camp  on  the  liar  dee 
Farm,  a  mile  north  of  Cheves'  Farm.  The  camp  was 
established  in  rear  of  some  grass-grown  fortifications — 
"  said  to  have  been  constructed  by  the  rebels  in  1862,  at 
a  time  when  Butler  was  making  a  demonstration  on  the 
coast." 

At  that  place  another  dash  was  made  on  vacant  build- 
ings. The  men  had  scarcely  broken  ranks,  when  the 
click  of  a  solitary  hammer  was  heard ;  it  was  quickly 
followed  by  others,  and  soon  dozens  were  at  work, 
creating  a  perfect  bedlam, — hack,  bang,  rip,  rattle, 
n'jt'Mik,  crash, — and  the  boards  flew  and  the  beams  fell 
faster  than  they  were  ever  made  to  fly  or  fall  by  any 
Hook  &  Ladder  company.  Men  were  all  over  and  all 
through  the  houses,  perfectly  reckless  of  flying  boards 
and  falling  timbers.  At  length  they  commenced  cutting 
the  corner  posts  of  one  of  the  buildings.  Soon  it  began 
to  totter.  The  men  were  on  tip-toe.  A  few  more  strokes 
of  the  axe  were  sufficient,  and  down  came  the  structure, 
raising  a  cloud  of  dust.  There  was  x,yell,  a  blind  rush 
and  a  scramble.  A  few  moments  sufficed  to  remove  the 
last  stick  of  timber,  leaving  the  ground  ready  for  the 
plow. 

At  the  Ilardec  Farm  we  remained  until  the  17th  of 
January.  As  usual  much  labor  was  expended  in  con- 
structing little  board  huts.  Fatigue  duty  was  then  quite 
heavy.  A  great  deal  of  "corduroy"  road  was  built 
across  the  bottom  land  between  the  camp  and  the  river. 


132         HISTORY    OF   THE    102D    ILL.    IXFAXTRY    VOLS. 

The  enemy  hovered  near,  constantly  watching  our 
movements.  In  one  or  two  reconnoisances  made  at  that 
time,  sharp  skirmishes  took  place,  but  none  of  our  men 
were  hurt.  While  encamped  there,  large  quantities  of 
fresh  oysters  were  obtained  from  an  oyster  island  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Savannah  River.  Those  who  participated 
in  the  oyster  expeditions  had  rare  sport ;  a  good  ride  and 
a  general  good  time. 

We  abandoned  the  camp  at  Hardee  Farm  on  the  17th 
of  Jan.,  and  marched  ten  miles  to  Hardeeville,  a  little 
town  on  the  Charleston  and  Savannah  railroad.  Camped 
at  two  o'clock  p.  M. 

Again  the  work  of  destroying  buildings  commenced, 
Among  others,  a  large  beautiful  church  was  attacked 
Men  of  various  regiments  were  engaged  in  the  work. 
First  the  pulpit  and  seats  were  torn  out,  then  the  siding 
and  the  blinds  were  ripped  off.  Many  axes  were  at 
work.  The  corner  posts  were  cut,  the  building  tottered, 
the  beautiful  spire,  up  among  the  green  trees,  leaned  for 
a  time  several  degrees  out  of  the  perpendicular,  vibrating 
to  and  fro.  A  tree  that  stood  in  the  way  was  cut.  By 
the  use  of  long  poles  the  men  increased  the  vibratory 
motion  of  the  building,  and  soon,  with  a  screeching  groan 
the  spire  sunk  down  amidst  the  timbers  which  gave  way 
beneath,  and  as  the  structure  became  a  pile  of  rubbish, 
some  of  the  most  wicked  of  the  raiders  yelled  out: 
"  There  goes  your  d d  old  gospel  shop." 

Next  day  scarcely  a  vestige  of  the  church  was  visible. 

It  was  barbarous,  yet  it  verified  the  words  of  the  Bil>U' : 
— "  For  they  have  sown  the  wind  and  they  shall  reap  the 
whirlwind." 

While  at  Hardeeville,  the  weather  was  wretchedly 
bad.  Once  more  the  men  constructed  small  houses,  only 
to  leave  them  when  fairly  finished. 

The  79th  Ohio  Regiment  returned  to  the  brigade  on 
the  18th  of  February. 

Forage  in  that  region  was  very  scarce.  The  men 
scouted  far  away  from  the  camp,  and  obtained  a  feu- 
yams  and  small  (piant'ities  of  meat.  Kiee — our.  staff  of 
life — was  found  in  abundant-. 


SHERMAN'S  ARMY  AGAIN  LOST  IN  DIXIE.         133 

As  soon  as  we  were  fairly  in  South  Carolina,  the 
citizens  commenced  burying  their  property.  One  old 
man  had  buried  his  treasure  beneath  the  roots  of  an  old 
tree  near  our  camp.  Becoming  fearful  that  the  prying 
Yankees  would  discover  it,  he  obtained  permission  ot 
the  military  authorities  to  dig  it  up.  It  was  buried  in 
an  earthen  jar,  and  amounted  to  over  two  thousand  dol- 
lars in  gold  and  silver. 

The  troops  were  at  length  ordered  to  be  in  readiness 
to  move  at  seven  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  29th. 
Early  in  the  morning  the  board  quarters  were  fired,  and 
as  the  air  was  very  cold,  the  men  gathered  about  the  iires 
in  groups,  awaiting  the  command  to  fall  in.  When  the 
order  came  they  marched  cheerfully  away  from  their 
burning  village — the  third  little  village  of  the  kind,  built 
and  abandoned  subsequent  to  the  occupation  of  Savan- 
nah. Marched  eighteen  miles  in  the  direction  of  Robert  - 
ville.  Camped  in  a  plowed  field.  Resumed  the  march 
next  morning  and  by  noon  reached  the  vicinity  of  Robert- 
ville,  four  miles  east  of  Sister's  Ferry,  on  the  Savannah 
river. 

Remained  in  camp  at  Robertville  during  the  31st  of 
Jan.,  and  the  1st  of  February. 

I'p  to  that  time  the  army  had  been  "getting into  posi- 
tion "  to  commence  the  raid.  Irregular  communication 
had  been  kept  up  with  the  outer  world.  Our  supply  of 
rations  was  there  slightly  increased,  letters  were  sent 
out,  and  there  on  the  2d  of  February  we  abandoned  com- 
munication and  "  swung  loose."  Sherman's  grand  army 
being  again  "  lost  in  Dixie." 

We  soon  found  rebels.  Our  brigade  was  in  the 
advance.  The  105th  111.  Regiment  in  the  advance  of  the 
brigade.  We  were  marching  in  the  direction  of  Law- 
tonville.  About  a  mile  from  the  town,  the  skirmishers 
from  the  u]05th"  became  engaged  with  the  enemy, 
driving  the  rebels  slowly  to  a  strong  position  in  thick 
woods  at  the  edge  of  a  swamp.  Sharp  firing  then  com- 
menced, the  rebels  blazing  away  from  behind  trees  and 
logs,  while  many  of  the  "Io5th"  boys  stood  up  in  the 
road  without  any  protection,  firing  rapidly,  round  after 
round,  at  the  concealed  foe.  But  the  rebels  were  not 
disposed  to  give  back.  The  70th  Indiana  and  102d  111. 

8 


134       HISTORY    OF    THE    102D   ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

were  deployed  in  line  of  battle  in  rear  of  the  105th.  The 
79th  Ohio,  and  the  129th  111.,  were  ordered  to  make  a 
detour  to  the  left.  Other  troops  came  up  and  deployed 
in  line  of  battle  on  our  left.  Artillery  was  brought 
up,  and  a  number  of  shells  were  thrown  with  good  effect. 
The  enemy  kept  iij)  a  galling  fire,  killing  one  man 
instantly  in  our  regiment  and  wounding  two  others — 
one  of  them  mortally.  We  were  then  in  line  of  battle, 
partially  under  cover  of  a  hill.  At  length  their  fire 
ceased  in  front,  and  an  advance  was  made,  but  the 
enemy  had  abandoned  the  position.  The  tiank  move- 
ment made  by  the  "  79th  "  and  "  129th  " — and  most  bril- 
liantly executed — had  compelled  them  to  "  get  up  and 
travel." 

It  was  one  of  Sherman's  battles  in  miniature.  The  dis- 
tinctive features  of  his  strategy  were  well  illustrated  in 
the  movements  of  the  "  1st  Brigade." 

Part  of  the  brigade  entered  Lawtonville  that  evening, 
but  being  in  an  isolated  position  the  force  was  withdrawn. 
We  camped  near  the  enemy's  vacated  line. 

Resumed  the  march  next  morning,  moving  on  the 
Barnwell  road.  It  was  a  lovely  morning.  We  passed 
through  some  beautiful  country.  A  half  mile  from  Law- 
tonville we  passed  a  charming  palatial  residence.  The 
grounds  were  ornamented  in  the  finest  style,  with  a  rich 
variety  of  shrubbery.  The  house  was  magnificently 
furnished.  The  richest  of  carpets  covered  the  floors ; 
splendidly  bound  books  ornamented  the  library ;  a  sweet- 
toned  piano  was  in  the  parlor.  The  property  belonged 
to  a  rebel  officer,  and  had  but  recently  been  used  by 
Gen.  Wheeler  for  headquarters.  In  accordance  with 
orders  received  from  a  proper  source^  the  building  was 
burned. 

A  number  of  similar  dwellings  were  burned  during  the 
day,  in  each  case  "  according  to  orders."  Forage  was 
becoming  more  abundant.  We  marched  at  half  past 
seven  A.  M.,  February  4th,  following  a  by-road.  At 
Smyrna  Church  passed  into  a  public  road  which  led  to 
Allendale,  and  thence  to  Barn  well  C.  II.  In  the  after- 
noon we  passed  a  beautiful  lake,  bearing  the  outlandish 


THE    SWAMPS    OF   THE    SA.LKEHATCHIE.  135 

name — "  Swallow  Savannah."  The  lake  is  seven  miles 
in  circumference  and  is  bordered  with  cypress  trees. 
We  camped  that  evening  two  miles  from  Allendale. 

Next  morning,  advanced  on  the  Barn  well  road  about 
five  miles,  then  turned  to  the  right  and  moved  in  the 
direction  of  Beaufort  Bridge.  Camped  that  evening 
near  Salkehatchie  swamp  through  which  a  tributary  of 
the  Conbahee  river  runs.  Beaufort  bridge,  previous  to 
our  arrival,  spanned  the  stream,  but  the  rebels  had  par- 
tially destroyed  it,  and  the  troops  were  delayed  several 
hours.  The  position  had  been  strongly  fortified.  It 
would  have  been  impossible  to  drive  the  enemy  from 
their  earthworks  by  approaching  along  the  narrow  cause- 
way across  the  swamp,  and  over  the  bridge.  But  the 
position  was  turned,  or  outflanked  by  troops  operating 
on  other  roads,  and  the  rebels  were  compelled  to  retire 
without  realizing  any  benefit  from  their  naturally  impreg- 
nable position. 

Marched  at  five  o'clock,  the  morning  of  the  6th. 
Crossed  the  bridge,  turned  to  the  left,  and  moved  in  the 
direction  of  the  Charleston  and  Augusta  railroad. 

Foraging  operations  grew  more  extensive  with  each 
succeeding  day.  The  four  weeks  experience  in  Georgia 
had  prepared  the  men  for  more  desperate  work  in  South 
Carolina.  Now  they  struck  boldly  out,  from  ten  to 
twenty  miles  from  the  column.  The  whole  country  was 
alive  with  men  who  made  foraging  their  sole  business. 
Officers  were  sent  out  with  detachments,  but  hundreds 
were  constantly  out  independent  of  all  control.  Those 
who  went  out  with  officers  usually  became  separated 
from  them  in  a  short  time.  Many  roamed  through  the 
country  solely  to  plunder,  and  in  their  nefarious  work 
threw  oft'  all  restraint — fearing  neither  God  nor  man — 
nor  his  mythical  majesty,  the  Devil. 

On  the  right,  on  the  left,  and  in  front,  dark  columns  of 
smoke  rolled  up,  as  the  great  army,  with  its  flankers,  the 
foragers,  pressed  forward. 

We  camped,  the  evening  of  the  6th  near  Little  Salke- 
hah-hie,  which  is  also  a  tributary  of  the  Combahee  river. 

Late  in  the  evening,  Feb.  Vth,  the  brigade  reached  the 
Charleston  and  Augusta  railroad,  at  Graham  Station.  A 


136        IIISTOEY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOL8. 

cold  chilling  rain  had  been  falling  since  morning,  rcndci 
ing  the  march  very  disagreeable.  The  troops  move< 
slowly,  crossed  several  swamps,  built  a  number  o 
bridges  and  made  considerable  corduroy  road. 

On  the  8th,  commenced  the  work  of  destroying  th 
railroad  track.  After  tearing  it  up  effectually  three 
fourths  of  a  mile,  we  went  into  camp  at  Graham.  In  th« 
afternoon,  left  knapsacks,  etc.,  in  camp  and  moved  on 
to  work  on  the  railroad.  Marched  four  miles  ;  foun< 
nothing  to  do — other  troops  were  ahead.  We  wer 
obliged  to  retrace  our  steps  to  camp.  The  men  couh 
not  see  the  wisdom  of  the  movement,  and  some  of  then 
swore  savagely.  Reaching  the  camp  we  ate  a  hastil; 
prepared  supper,  then  packed  up  and  resumed  the  for 
ward  movement,  under  orders  to  halt  where  the  Is 
Division  ceased  destroying  the  road. 

"  Misfortunes  never  come  singly,"  says  the  old  adage 
and  it  was  verified  during  the  day's  maneuvers.  Abou 
night  we  took  the  wrong  road  and  marched  at  least,  ; 
mile  out  of  the  way.  Reached  camp  at  half-past,  eigh 
that  evening,  very  tired  and  almost  suffocated  with  tin 
smoke  of  the  burning  railroad,  and  other  burning  prop 
erty.  Our  camp  was  four  miles,  direct,  from  Graham 
The  night  was  very  cold,  and  we  slept  uncomfortably. 

The  work  of  destroying  the  railroad  was  accomplished 
most  effectually.  For  at  least  three  days  the  bulk  o 
Sherman's  army  was  thus  engaged.  The  smoke  of  the 
burning  ties,  rising  mile  after  mile,  and  mingling  witl 
the  smoke  of  burning  buildings,  burning  fences  anc 
burning  cotton,  enveloped  the  whole  country. 

The  road  was  torn  up  by  sections  as  the  columns 
advanced. 

The  brigades  halted  alternately  to  work  at  destroying 
the  road.  The  following  plan  of  operations  was  oi> 
served.  Having  stacked  arms  and  unslung  knapsacks 
each  regiment  formed  in  line  of  battle  opposite' the  track. 
Sections  of  the  road  were  assigned  to  the  different  com- 
panies, and  at  the  command  of  the  officers,  (he  mei; 
advanced  to  the  attack.  Acting  in  concert  they  lifted 
the  structure  and  tumbled  it  over  at  the  side  of  the 
grade.  Th.  ti«-s  were  then  loosened  and  piled  upon  the 
grade,  very  much  in  the  manner  that  boys  construct 


A   NEWLY    DEVELOPED    OBJECTIVE    POINT.  137 

•>b-hoiiscs.  The  iron  rails  were  placed  upon  the  piles — 
10  ends  projecting.  Fires  were  then  kindled  beneath 
ic in,  and  when  the  rails  became  heated  to  a  white  heat 
ley  were  easily  twisted  into  various  shapes. 

The  morning  of  the  9th  was  cold  and  a  heavy  frost 
>VOI-CM!  the  ground.  We  continued  the  inarch  in  the 
irection  of  Augusta.  The  column  moved  slowly,  and 
henever  it  halted  we  made  ourselves  comfortable  by 
jtthig  tire  to  the  light,  combustible  pine  rails  at  the 
>adside.  Reached  the  dilapidated  village  of  Blackville 
efore  noon.  Halted  in  the  "  suburbs."  Built  large 
res,  but  were  made  miserable  by  the  all-pervading 
noke.  Momentarily  expecting  to  move,  we  awaited 
rders  until  late  in  the  afternoon,  and  then  went  into 
[imp  for  the  night.  At  Blackville  we  received  a  light 
lail.  It  was  brought  up  ;>ig:idc  that  abandoned 

mimunication  a  day  or  two  after  the  campaign  com- 
tenced. 

Next  morning  we  continued  on  towards  Augusta. 
Vorked  on  the  railroad  again,  "  finishing  it  "  as  far  as 
10  little  town  of  Williston.  It  had  been  a  pretty  town, 
ut  did  not  look  well  amidst  the  smoke  and  dust  that 
ras  raised  by  our  destroying  army.  Camped  near  Wil- 
ston. 

Abandoning  the  railroad  on  the  llth,  we  moved 
orthward — the  next  objective  point  being  Columbia. 
Crossed  the  Soutli  Edisto  that  afternoon.  Passed 
irough  a  rough,  hilly  region.  Observed  several  varie- 
ies  of  hard-wood  timber.  It  was  a  pleasant  change 
•<>ni  the  level  country  and  pine  barrens  through  which 
re  had  been  so  long  marching. 

We  went  into  camp  the  evening  of  the  llth  on  the 
ontli  side  of  a  small  stream  that  empties  into  the  North 
Misto.  Forage  somewhat  scarce. 

A  heavy  frost  covered  the  ground  on  the  morning  of 
he  12th.  The  air  was  very  cold.  The  enemy  having 
urned  the  bridge  across  the  little  stream  above  men- 
ion  od,  the  troops  wore  compelled  to  wade  it.  Many  of 
ho  small  streams  along  the  sea  coast  in  the  Soutli  arc 
c-nreely  distinguishable  at  first  view  from  swamps. 
?hey  are  literally  swamp  stream-. 


138         HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

In  tliis  case  there  was  a  great  sheet  of  water  spread 
out  over  swamp  land,  which  was  thickly  grown  with 
cypress  trees  and  a  maze  of  underbrush.  The  swamp 
stream  was  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  in  width  and  from 
one  to  three  feet  in  depth,  a  sluggish  current  moving 
the  waters  in  the  centre.  Some  of  the  men  stripped 
their  feet  and  rolled  up  their  pants  to  wade  it ;  others 
went  in  without  any  preparation.  All  the  horses  that 
were  tractable  "carried  double." 

The  water  was  so  cold  that  many  of  the  soldiers  be- 
came almost  paralyzed.  It  was  bitter  cold  work  wading 
swamps  in  mid  winter.  After  crossing,  the  troops  were 
halted— large  fires  were  built  of  rails,  and  an  hour  was 
passed  in  drying  off. 

Crossed  Goodland  Swamp  Creek  during  the  day,  anil 
went  into  camp  a  half  mile  south  of  the  North  Edisto. 
The  2d  Division  of  our  Corps  met  with  strong  opposi- 
tion at  the  river,  but  effected  a  crossing  after  losing 
several  men. 

The  3d  Division  was  in  the  advance  next  day — Febru- 
ary 13th.  The  1st  Brigade  being  in  advance  of  the  Di- 
vision, and  the  70th  Indiana  in  advance  of  the  Brigade, 
We  crossed  the  river  on  a  temporary  bridge.  The 
enemy  hovered  near  in  front  and  did  not  drive  well, 
Skirmishers  from  the  7 Oth  Indiana  were  deployed  and 
they  exchanged  shots  with  the  enemy  at  intervals  until 
the  column  halted  eight  miles  from  the  river. 

A  squad  of  foragers  from  the  "  70th  "  was  surprised 
and  completely  routed  about  the  time  we  went  into 
camp.  They  had  ventured  too  far  to  the  front  and  were 
attacked  by  a  force  of  rebel  cavalry.  In  the  affair  the 
detachment  lost  seven  men,  wounded  and  missing,  A 
number  of  horses  and  mules  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy.  Some  of  the  foragers  who  escaped  came  ir 
badly  demoralized — minus  hats,  guns,  accoutrements  ;nui 
horses.  The  "  70th"  then  marched  out  to  retaliate,  bul 
could  not  find  the  enemy. 

We  remained  in  camp  until  10  o'clock  A.M.  of  the  14th 
Moved  then  on  the  Columbia  road,  until  we  reached  s 
road  leading  t<»  Lexington  ( '.  II.  Five  miles  out  on  thai 
road  at  a  point  where  the  Columbia  and  Augusta  wagoi 
road  crosses  it,  the  troops  went  into  camp. 


A    DAY    WITH    THE    FORAGERS.  139 

"  The  art  of  foraging  had  by  this  time  become 
thoroughly  understood.  Forage  was  yet  abundant.  Had 
it  been  otherwise  the  skill  or*  the  foragers  would,  in  a 
measure,  have  made  up  all  deficiencies.  Let  me  diverge 
here  and  sketch  a  day  with  the  foragers. 

As  usual  the  camp  is  aroused  long  before  daylight.    In 
the  gray  dawn  the  foragers,  all  mounted,  form  in  line 
and  move  oif — we  will  suppose  towards  the  right.     Fol- 
lowing strange  roads,  guided  sometimes  by  the  compass, 
sometimes  by  the  sun,  and  sometimes  "  going  it  blind," 
they  dash  away  from  the  main  column — over  high  hills, 
across   deep  hollows,  fording  deep  and  rapid  streams, 
riding  on  through  the  wilderness  of  pines,  until  at  length 
a  farm  house  is  descried.     Then  they  "  go  for  it."     Who 
will  be  first  ?     The  rowels  sink  deep  into  the  flanks  of 
the  horses — and  mules.     Away  they  go — neck  and  neck. 
"Go  it,  old  barebones;"  "go  it,  donkeys;"  and  like  wild 
Arabs   the  party  approaches   the   dwelling — but   hold! 
there  are  blue  coats  all  over  the  premises — "  what  is  the 
use  of  riding  so  hard."     The  speed  is  slackened.     The 
party  rides  by,  determined  to  be  first  at  the  next  planta- 
tion.    On  through  the  woods,  mile  after  mile,  they  go — 
passing  insignificant  houses  with  the  remark,  "  O,  they're 
poor  folks — they've  got  nothing  there."     Finally  a  large 
rich  looking  plantation  is  discovered.     Again  they  are  on 
the  gallop — they  dash  up  to  the  gate — throw  it  open. 
Old  men   and  terror-stricken  women  come  to  the  door. 
The  entire  party  rides  in  at  the  gate.     In  an  instant  they 
have  dismounted.     Some  of  them  go  for  the  meat  house, 
others  for  the  pantry,   and  others  rush  into  the  parlor. 
A  squad  attacks  the  bee -hives.     "  Knock  off  the  top," — 
"  get  water  and  drown  them," — "  smoke  them,"  any  way 
to  get  the  honey," — thus  they  talk  and  thus  they  act. 
STP  a  swarm  of  bees  fills  the   atmosphere.     The  men 
are  no  more  afraid  of  them  than  they  are  of  bullets,  but 
run  to  and  fro  among  them  with  choice  honey  trickling 
from  their  fingers.     A  small  squad  is  at  work  at  the  yam 
hills.     The  meat  is  brought  out — choice  hams;  they  will 
have  no  other.     The  flour  barrels  are  soon  emptied;  the 
meal  is  gobbled  up,  and   the  molasses  running  into  the 
canteens.     One  or  two  of  the  sharpest  take  a  darkey  to 


140         HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

one  side,  quiz  him,  threaten  him,  show  him  a  revolver  ; 
lie  tells  them  something — no  matter  what — they  are  off. 
In  a  neighboring  swamp,  amid  the  thick  jungle,  on  a 
piece  of  dry  ground  that  is  surrounded  on  all  sides  by 
water,  a  number  of  line  horses  and  mules  are  found — sad- 
dles arid  bridles  too.  They  are  quickly  "  ringed."  The 
captors  gallop  back  to  the  farm  house.  Those  who  re- 
mained there  have  loaded  their  animals  with  a  miscella- 
neous assortment  of  forage.  There  is  more  than  they 
can  conveniently  carry.  What  shall  be  done?  The  "old 
gentleman "  has  a  nice  carriage  in  his  carriage-house, 
and  the  captured  horses,  two  of  them,  can  draw  it — cer- 
tainly— not  another  word  parleying — they  do  not  speak, 
but  act.  The  carriage  is  brought  out — if  harness  art- 
lacking  they  are  supplied  by  Yankee  ingenuity.  Old 
straps,  old  ropes,  old  tugs  are  brought  together  in  the 
semblance  of  harness.  The  vehicle  is  then  loaded  down 
until  the  spi  ings  click  together.  Meanwhile  the  house 
has  been  thoroughly  pillaged.  There  is  a  class  of  pil- 
lagers as  well  as  a  class  of  foragers  at  work.  Cellars, 
parlor,  chamber,  garret,  all  have  been  ransacked.  Things 
are  in  the  most  perfect,  chaotic  confusion.  Other  fora- 
gers have  arrived — other  pillagers  also.  Drawers  are 
thrown  upon  the  floor — contents  turned  out.  Trunks  are 
broken  open.  Clothing  and  other  valuables  taken.  Men 
of  various  brigades,  divisions  and  corps  are  engaged  in 
the  despicable  work.  Who  can  control  them  ?  It  is  a 
whirlwind  let  loose,  and  must  sweep  on  with  all  its  hor- 
rors. "  Does  the  old  gentleman  protest?"  Most  assur- 
redly  he  does,  and  the  old  lady,  and  tin*  pretty  young 
girls,  with  tears  in  their  eyes,  implore  protection.  As 
well  address  their  words  to  the  idle  winds.  The  forag- 
ers must  have  something  to  eat;  the  army  must  live  by 
foraging.  They  feel  for  the  pom-  and  sometimes  spare 
them,  but  from  the  wealthy  they  take1  without  stint. 
And  the  pillagers  show  no  compunctions  of  conscience. 
Witli  a  look  of  stolid  indifference,  peculiar  to  the  har- 
dened criminal,  they  prosecute  their  abominable  work 
amid  the  tears  and  vain  entreaties  of  the  helpless 
citizens. 

At    length   our    foragers    set   out  for  camp — perhaps 
passing  another  house,  where   they  load  an  old  cart  or 


PitKP.VKATIOXS  FOR   A   FIGHT.  141 

buggy  with  more  provisions.  Reaching  camp  just  after 
<l;irk,  the  forage  is  soon  distributed,  and  the  soldiers  are 
happy  over  many  good  things  to  eat. 

And  this  is  but  one  day  out  of  many  long  weeks  of 
such  work ;  scarcely  a  house  escaping  the  visitation,  as 
the  great  army  swept  onward  over  a  tract  of  country  at 
least  fifty  miles  in  breadth. 

And  we  have  only  looked  at  the  surface  ;  at  what  was 
done  when  numbers  of  the  foragers  and  pillagers  were 
congregated.  We  may  well  imagine  that  a  darker 
chapter  could  be  written  of  the  work  of  marauders,  who, 
banding  together  for  the  purpose  of  pillaging  and  com- 
mitting other  crimes,  visited  the  lonely  homes  of  de- 
fenseless women  and  children,  far  away  from  the  march- 
ing columns.  God  pity  any  people  that  are  subjected 
to  the  tender  mercies  of  a  raiding  army. 

The  foragers  became  every  day  more  daring,  and 
their  services  were  of  great  value  in  a  strategic  point  of 
view.  By  their  eccentric  maneuvres  the  movements  of 
the  main  armies  were  rendered  inexplicable  to  the 
enemy. 

Among  the  regular  foragers  were  many  of  the  most 
daring  and  devoted  men  in  the  army.  In  the  saddle 
they  were  at  home.  A  little  incident  which  occurred 
about  the  time  of  which  I  write  will  illustrate  the 
spirit  of  these  mad-caps.  Far  away  from  the  main 
column  a  party  of  five  foragers  descried  thirteen  rebels, 
well  mounted  and  armed.  Four  of  the  foragers  were 
unarmed,  but  they  made  a  sudden  dash  upon  the  rebels, 
took  them  by  surprise  and  completely  routed  them ;  cap- 
turing six  horses. 

The  15th  of  February  we  marched  twelve  miles 
through  a  rough  country — forage  not  abundant.  Chilly, 
damp  weather.  The  leading  division  skirmished  heavily 
with  the  enemy.  Went  into  camp  two  miles  south  of 
Lexington,  and  about  nine  miles  from  Columbia.  An 
other  day  would  dete  mine  whether  the  enemy  intended 
t<>  fight  for  Columbia. 

Every  preparation  was  made  on  the  morning  of  the 
IGth  for  a  tight.  Xon-combattants  were  sent  to  the  rear. 
The  trains  were  halted,  artillery  and  ambulances  were 


142       HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

o  'de-red  forward,  nd  the  gentry  .\vitli  stretchers,  who 
were  more  obnoxious  to  our  liner  sensibilities  than  the 
village  sexton  could  ever  be,  were  at  hand.  They  were 
a  worthy  and  useful  class  to  be  sure,  but  their  discolored 
stretchers  were  very  suggestive  of  disagreeable  reflec- 
tions. Leaving  Lexington  to  the  lef  ,  we  crossed  the 
newly  constructed  grade  of  the  projected  Columbia  and 
Augusta  railroad,  and  advanced  slowly  towards  Co- 
lumbia. 

No  skirmishing  ahead.  Surely  they  will  not  yield  the 
city  witho  t  a  struggle.  At  length  we  approach  th 
summit  of  a  hill  not  more  than  two  and  a  half  miles 
from  the  city.  At  the  summit  there  is  a  farm  house  and 
a  fence.  From  that  point  something  ext  aordinary  is 
visible.  The  men  far  in  the  rear  arj  sure  of  this,  for 
thoso  in  front  are  climbing  the  fence  in  regular  succes- 
sion to  "  take  a  lool  ."  In  our  turn  we  do  the  same, 
and  beyond  the  Congaree  river  behold  the  famed  city  of 
Columbia — the  cradle  of  secession. 

Then  we  recollected  the  occasic  n  when,  four  years 
pre^  ious,  the  words  flashed  over  the  wires  to  our  North- 
ern homes,  "  South  Carolina  has  seceded" — and  people 
i  miled  incredulously.  But  the  issue  was  real,  and  at  the 
opening  of  the  y  ar  1B65,  Sherman's  grand  army  carried 
the  Stars  an .,  Stripes  to  the  gates  of  Columbia,  Avith  a 
protest  which  in  words  simply  meant  "  $Quth  Carolina 
cannot  secede"  It  was  a  delicate  reproof  that  reached 
the  ears  of  the  Columbians  that  evening,  when  the  field 
bands,  with  grand  enthusiasm,  played  "  Hail  Columbia, 
happy  lane. !" 

The  enemy  had  crossed  to  the  north  bank  of  the 
stream  and  still  occupied  the  city,  but  not  in  force. 
Skirmishers  from  the  ri  hi  wing  of  the  army  were  ex- 
chan  ing  shots  wit  .  th  rebel  pickets,  and*  there  was 
light  art-ill  ry  firing.  AVe  camped  ii.  line  of  battle  ab«  ut 
two  m  les  from  the  city. 

In  that  po  ition  we  remained  until  near  noon,  Febru- 
ary 17th  ;  t  en  marched  to  the  rear  and  right,  under  or- 
ders to  cross  Saluda  and  l>road  rivers,  and  continue 
northward  towards  AVinnsboro. 


THE    RAID    HARDLY    COMMENCED.  143 

The  day's  march  was  most  disagre  cable.  A  high  wind 
was  blowing;  the  w  ,ods  were  everywhere  on  fire.  Pine 
knots  and  the  scarred  surface  of  tl  e  turpentine  trees 
burned  brightly  and  sent  up  their  blackening  soot,  and 
the  pine  rail  fences  were  all  in  a  blaze.  It  was  then  the 
universal  prayer—"  O !  for  one  breath  of  pure  air !" 
Nes  r  th  Saluda  river  the  Brigade  was  sent  out  on  the 
Lexington  road  and  ordered  to  be  on  the  alert  for  Cheat- 
ham's  forces,  which  were  reported  t  >  be  harrassin  ;  the 
rear  of  Kilpatrick's  cavalry,  which  was  then  comin  r  in. 
As  patiently  as  we  could,  ga  ping  in  the  thick  smoke  for 
the  breath  of  Lfe,  we  awaited  further  developments.  No 
enemy  came.  About  night,  moved  a  sho  t  distance  to- 
wards the  river  and  went  into  camp. 

Immense  wagon  trains  were  corralled  near  by.  Our 
turn  to  cross  the  river  would  come  when  they  had  all 
passed  over.  All  night  they  kept  moving  By  -.0011 
next  day,  (Feb.  18th,)  we  were  enabled  to  cross. 

The  Saluda  is  a  pretty  little  stream,  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five  yards  wide^  and  has  a  swift  current.  A 
short  distance  above  Columbia  it  unites  with  Broad 
river,  forming  the  Congaree.  The  Brigade  camped 
after  dark  at  the  right  of  the  road  a  few  miles  sout..  of 
Broad  river. 

Moved  at  half  past  six  on  the  morning  of  tie  19th; 
proceeded  five  miles,  then  halted  and  relieved  a  Division 
of  the  14th  Corps,  which  was  guarding  approaches  to 
the  pontoon  bridge  across  Broad  river.  "  There  we  went 
into  camp  expecting  to  remain  all  night,  but  an  hour 
later  were  ordered  to  '  pack  up  and  march  immediately.' 
No  one  was  in  a  condition  to  move.  Some  of  the  men 
were  cooking,  others  Avashing  their  clothes,  and  many 
were  out  foraging.  Everything  was  in  confusion  and 
everybody  swore,  or  felt  like  it — but  we  were  soon  all 
ready  and  in  motion." 

We  followed  a  by-road  to  the  right,  and  camped  on 
the  hills  immediately  south  of  Broad  river. 

While  encamped  there  an  order  was  received  direct- 
ing the  troops  to  make  preparations  for  continuing  the 
campaign  forty  days.  JL  Iready  the  men  had  made  severe 
marches.  Many  were  footsore  and  ragged.  All  were 
blackened  with  dirt  and  smoke.  Soap  had  played  out. 


144         HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    IM'AXTRY    VOLS. 

Those  "forty  days"  loomed  forth  like  a  little-  eternity, 
1ml  it  was  in  accordance  with  the  plans  of  our  tn; 
leader,  and  therei'ore  al.  right.  Wall  tents  were  to  be 
no  longer  tolerated  in  the  army.  Previous  to  that 
time  each  regiment  had  heen  allowed  three  of  these. 
They  were  then  ordered  to  burn  them,  reserving  only 
the  "tent  flies."  Bsggage  was  again  cut  down.  Many 
articles  that  had  been  taken  from  the  country,  and  were 
being  carried  along  in  view  of  reaching  a  "  water  base  " 
in  a  short  time,  were  abandoned.  Numbers  of  splendidly 
bound  books  of  the  highest  intrinsic  value  were  com- 
mitted to  the  flames. 

In  resuming  the  march  on  the  20th,  it  was  our  fortune 
to  be  again  in  the  rear.  All  day  the  troops  and  trains 
were  crossing  the  river.  The  Brigade  was  deployed  in 
line  of  battle  facing  to  the  rear,  to  be  in  readiness  for  an 
attack  by  Cheatham's  forces. 

The  country  in  the  vicinity  of  Broad  river  is  rolling 
and  picturesque.  Between  the  two  rivers  there  are 
some  line  plantations.  Forage  was  abundant. 

At  dusk  we  moved  closer  to  the  river.  Formed  line 
as  before.  Again  we  have  a  tedious  time  of  waiting. 
"  Why  don't  the  army  move  ?"  some  one  asks,  in  imita- 
tion of  Northern  croakers.  Be  patient — it  will. 

The  shadows  deepen.  The  scene  in  the  gloaming  of 
the  evening  is  beautiful:  Bright  lights  twinkle  on  the 
hills  beyond  the  river.  Are  they  camp  fires  ?  Be  pa- 
tient; we  shall  see. 

At  length  the  order  came  to  fall  in.  We  marched 
down  the  steep  hill,  across  the  broad  and  rapid  river, 
and  halted  a  mile  north  of  it,  but  not  to  go  into  camp. 
Again  it  was  our  business  to  wait — wait  until  the  trains 
and  troops  had  all  passed  on  ahead.  In  the  thick  woods 
we  built  fires,  rolled  ourselves  in  our  blankets  and  slept. 
An  hour  and  a  half  later  the  Brigade  refrain,  "Hail  Co- 
lumbia, happy  land,"  aroused  us,  and  we  continued  on 
after  the  sl<»\v --moving  column. 

Anight  march!  how  it  tries  men's  M>uK  !  The  pa- 
tient man  of  old  was  never  subjected  to  that  terrible 
ahMiction.  Let  us  lock  :;t  the  regiment  mi  a  night  march. 
The  trams  of  course  an-  stuck  M.mewhere  ahead,  and 
the  column  has  lor  the  moment  halted.  The  pine  rails 


A    NIGHT    MARCH.  14&-, 

arc  all  ablaze.  Stumps  and  pine  knots  are  set  on  fire. 
Groups  of  sleepy  soldiers  are  gathered  about  them. 
Some  have  dropped  down  and  are  sound  asleep. 

Forward  again.  Slowly  the  column  re-forms  and 
moves  on  ;  but  only  for  a  few  hundred  yards.  There  is 
another  dead  lock.  The  men  stand  still,  only  stamping 
their  feet  to  produce  circulation  of  the  blood.  Another 
move,  and  this  time  i"  continues  for  perhaps  a  mile,  when 
there  is  a  brief  halt ;  then  a  move  more  brief,  and  another 
halt — and  another  move — the  column  crowding  on  by 
"fits  and  starts."  What  is  wrong  ahead?  Doubtless 
the  men  are  walking  a  log  across  some  stream — passing 
in  Indian  file.  Foot  by  foot  we  gain  ground,  and  at 
length  the  little  stream  and  the  file  of  soldiers  are  de- 
veloped. Thanking  God  that  our  turn  has  come  at  last, 
we  cross  over  in  the  same  manner,  then  "  lengthen  our 
steps  and  march  rapidly."  No  one  in  the  way  now ! 
what  has  become  of  them?  Double  quick — forward! 
The  horses  go  oif  in  a  trot,  and  the  long-drawn-out 
column  closes  up.  Again  we  march  regularly.  We 
look  up  at  the  star-gemmed  heavens — and  wonder  if 
there  is  war  and  night  marches  in  those  far-off  worlds. 
Our  eyes  wander  northward  to  the  great  dipper  and  the 
polar  star.  "N.N.W." — yes,  just  a  little  to  the  left  of 
the  great  dipper — that  is  the  direction  of  home.  All  are 
asleep  there.  If  they  could  know  that  we  are  marching 
at  this  hour — tired,  footsore,  cold  and  sleepy,  would  they 
rest  as  easily!  Ah-!  it  is  well — 

"  Where  ignorance  is  bliss  'twere  folly  to  be  wise." 

It  is  long  after  midnight.  Some  one  rides  towards 
the  rear,  and  the  oft-repeated  question  is  reiterated, 
"How  far  is  it  to  camp  y»  "Three  miles."  "Three 
miles,  indeed ;  I'll  bet  it's  six"  retorts  the  soldier,  who 
did  not  intend  to  believe  the  man  when  he  asked  the 
question. 

But  it  is  only  three  miles.  We  may  get  to  sleep  some 
yet.  Away  vain  hope — teams  are  mired  somewhere 
ahead,  or  there  is  another  log  to  cross  in  Indian  file. 
Slowly  the  column  drags  along.  The  "first  faint  streak- 
of  du\vn  '"  light  up  the  eastern  sky.  The  sound  of  a 
distant  bugle  is.  heard.  It  is  far  ahead — and  now  We 


146        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

can  hoar  the  roll  of  drums.  It  is  reveille  in  camp — no 
sleep  to-night.  Day  advances;  the  sun  shoots  great  red 
beams  up  towards  the  zenith.  We  reach  the  camp 
where  the  advance  Division  had  halted  long  before  mid- 
night. There  is  some  disappointment — some  little  irri- 
tation. The  1st  Brigade!  is  boisterous — the  men  laugh, 
cheer  and  yell — they  will  not  be  deprived  of  that  privi- 
lege. The  head  of  column  is  turned  into  an  open  field  ; 
the  regiments  halt,  stack  arms,  unsling  knapsacks,  and 
are  allowed  one  hour  for  breakfast. 

Thus  we  marched,  and  thus  perchance  many  solilo- 
quized during  the  night  of  February  20,  1865. 

After  our  hasty  breakfast,  February  21st,  we  moved 
in  the  direction  of  Winnsboro.  Passed  through  a  good 
section  of  country — found  plenty  of  forage.  Reached 
Winnsboro  by  noon.  It  is  a  beautiful  town,  pleasantly 
located.  After  dinner  we  marched  through  the  town  in 
review,  before  Generals  Sherman  and  Slocum.  Camped 
before  night  two  miles  east  of  Winnsboro,  in  a  nice  pine 
grove,  at  the  right  of  the  Rocky  Mount  road. 

Next  day,  February  22d,  we  continued  on  towards 
Rocky  Mount ;  passing  in  the  morning  through  a  region 
which  was  so  rough  that  the  foragers  could  scarcely  get 
away  from  the  column,  or  once  away  could  hardly  re- 
turn. The  road  wound  along  a  high  ridge  from  which 
we  had  a  good  view  of  the  country  miles  away  on  either 
hand.  The  scenery  was  beautiful,  and  afforded  a  pleas- 
ant relief  from  the  monotony  of  the  pine  woods  through 
which  we  had  been  inarching.  Far  away,  right  and  lei't, 
clouds  of  smoke  indicated  where  other  corps  were 
moving. 

We  pressed  forward  close  upon  the  heels  of  the  rebel 
cavalry,  and  dm  ing  the  day  the  advance  guards  had  a 
slight  skirmish  with  the  enemy.  About  noon  Butler's 
Division  of  rebel  cavalry  crossed  the  road  not  more  than 
a  mile  ahead  of  us.  Our  foragers  under  Captain  Wool- 
ley  had  a  sharp  skirmish  with  a  detachment  of  rebels 
and  drove  them.  Forage  was  found  in  the  greatest 
abundance.  The  men  brought  in  a  great  variety  of 
edibles,  including  the  hot  <>t'  hams  and  large  quantities 
of  flour.  All  of  the  teams  were  loaded,  and  a  large 


CROSSING    THE    CATAWBA.  147 

amount  of  forage  was  thrown  away  for  want  of  trans- 
portation. We*  camped  IK» fore  night  on  the  west  bank  of 
the  Cat.'nvba,  at  Kooky  Mount — a  place  of  no  conse- 
quence aside  from  the  interest  which  attaches  to  it  on 
account  of  a  light  which  took  place  there  during  the  war 
of  the  Revolution.  It  is  about  eight  miles  above  the 
celebrated  Carnden  battle  ground. 

A  few  moments  after  our  camp  had  been  selected, 
General  Sherman  called  at  Division  headquarters.  While 
conversing  with  General  Ward,  an  orderly  rode  up  with 
a  message  announcing  the  fall  of  Charleston.  After 
reading  it,  Sherman  looked  up  and  said  :  "Well,  General, 
you  can  inscribe  Charleston  on  your  banners.  It  is  a 
part  of  the  programme.  A  skiifull  surgeon  may  kill  a 
man  with  the  smallest  needle,  while  another  would  cut 
him  up  with  a  butcher  knife  and  then  fail  to  kill  him." 
The  General  then  added  that  he  "proposed  to  march  his 
army  through  Washington  in  less  than  three  months." 

Tents  were  put  up,  supper  was  disposed  of,  and  many 
had  gone  to  bed,  when  an-  order  came  directing  us  to 
move  across  the  river — the  pontoon  bridge  having  been 
finished.  Packed  up  and — waited.  Troops  were  crossing 
ahead,  and  the  column  moved  slowly.  At  midnight  we 
marched  down  the  precipitous  bluff,  crossed  the  rapid 
stream,  and  ascended  to  a  level  piece  of  ground  a  m.le 
beyond.  There  we  slept  until  daylight — then,  without 
breakfast,  marched  three  miles.  Halted  and  went  into 
camp,  at  the.  left  of  the  road,  in  thick  woods,  Rain  com- 
menced falling  during  the  afternoon.  It  rained  heavily 
dining  the  night. 

Next  day,  February  24th,  we  marched  three  miles 
over  a  corduroy  road — "  and  still  it  rained."  The  trains 
moved  with  the  greatest  difficulty.  The  soil  was  as 
treacherous  as  the  people  of  that  State.  The  rain  had 
thoroughly  saturated  the  ground.  Horsemen  riding  off 
the  road,  on  ground  which  appeared  firm,  suddenly  found 
themselves  floundering  amid  quicksands. 

The  morning  of  the  2.5th  it  was  still  raining.  We 
were  under  orders  to  move  at  half  past  six.  Tents  were 
struck — the  rain  still  pouring  down.  Happily  for  us,  the 
order  was  countermanded.  The  20th  Corps  was  com- 
pelled to  wait  for  the  14th  Corps,  which  found  great 


148       HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    LNTANTKY   VOLS. 

difficulty  in  crossing  theCatawba.  then  much  swollen  by 
the  heavy  rains.  Kam  continued  to  fall  during  the  night 
of  the  25th. 

The  26th  was  a  fair  day.  We  moved  early  in  the 
morning,  and  the  right  wing  of  the  Regiment  built 
"  corduroy  road." 

It  may  interest  those  who  were  not  there,  to  know 
how  such  roads  are  constructed..  Usually  the  troops 
took  rails  from  adjoining  farms  and  made  &perp<:t»"l 
bridge  of  rails.  The  rails  were  placed  so  near  together 
that  'the  'mules  could  walk  over  the  road  without  step- 
ping between  them  into  the  mire.  These  roads  were 
constructed  very  rapidly.  It  required  but  a  brief  space 
of  time  for  a  Brigade  to  "  turn  out "  a  forty  acre  lot — 
leaving  the  fence  for  the  farmer  to  extract  from  the  mud 
after  the  army  had  passed  by.  At  times  no  rails  could 
be  obtained  and  young  pines  were  cut  and  used  instead. 

We  went  into  camp  before  noon,  at  Hanging  Rock — 
a  place  of  revolutionary  notoriety.  A  sharp  little  fight 
occurred  there  between  the-  colonists  and  the  British. 
The  rock — an  immense  boulder — is  poised  on  a  large 
ledge  of  rocks  at  the  brow  of  a  steep  hill.  It  is  appa- 
rently so  nicely  balanced  that  it  seemed  dangerous  to 
walk  out  on  the  overhanging  edge — lest  it  be  precipi- 
tated into  the  valley  below.  Capt  Merritt  in  his  diary 
writes:  "  The  rock  is  notorious  as  the  scaffold  from 
which  the  British  hanged  six  American  soldiers  after 
the  battle  near  it,  Aug.  13,  1780." 

An  equally  singular  rock  is  near  it ;  a  huge  boulder 
with  the  lower  part  <>f  the  face  "  scooped  out,"  forming 
a  concave  wall  and  roof  of  smooth  stone.  It  lias  the 
appearance  of  a  work  of  art.  Its  singular  formation  is 
attributed  to  the  action  of  iires,  which  it  is  argued  have 
been  kindled  beneath  its  overhanging  brow,  by  suc- 
cessive visitors,  during  ages  that  have  passed,  A  whole 
company  could  find  shelter  beneath  the  rock-roof  from 
the  Storms.  It  is  said  the  revolutionary  patriots  made- it 
a  place  of  frequent  resort.  Near  it  a  s.piad  of  men  from 
the  10-Jd  stood  picket.  The  locality  was  visited  l»y  hun- 
dreds of  officers  and  soldiers,  many  of  whom  carried 
away  n  1 


CAPTURE    (>F    THE    J5AXK    OF    CAMDK?;.  149 

Fob.  27th — Remained  in  camp.  Owing  to  the  slow 
movements  of  the  troops,  forage  was  becoming  scarce. 
The  foragers  were  compelled  to  go  far  to  the  front  and 
light  for  what,  they  got.  Capt  Woolley  was  out  with  the 
detachment  from  the  102 d.  He  encountered  Wheeler's 
force  of  cavalry ;  had  a  sharp  skirmish,  and  was  com- 
pelled to  retire.  Lost  two  men  captured.  It  rained 
heavily  during  the  night  of  the  27th;  next  day  we 
marched  and  "  corduroyed."  Moved  eight  miles  in  the 
direction  of  Cheraw  corduroying  two-thirds  of  the  entire 
d  stance.  Camped  after  dark,  in  the  woods.  Capt. 
Woolley  came  in  with  his  detachment  of  foragers  and 
gave  an  account  of  the  capture  of  the  Bank  of  Carnden 
by  his  men.  It  occurred  in  this  way  :  When  the  detach- 
ment was  far  away  from  the  main  column,  Jesse 
McQuade,  of  Co.  I,  and  Charles  Hartsell  of  Co.  E, 
espied  a  fresh  wagon  track,  which  led  off  into  the  woods. 
Leaving  the  main  party  they  traced  it  into  an  obscure 
place  where  they  discovered  three  covered  wagons. 
Putting  spurs  to  their  horses  they  dashed  up  towards 
them,  and  when  very  near,  were  fired  upcn  by  citizen 
guards.  McQuade  received  no  less  then  twenty  small 
shot  in  his  shoulder,  left  arm  and  side. .  Hartzell 
received  about  a  dozen  in  his  right  arm.  This  repulsed 
them,  as  both  were  disabled.  McQuade's  wounds  were 
serious,  and  he  retired  a  short  distance,  then  becoming 
faint,  slipped  from  his  horse  to  the  ground,  where  he 
remained  until  Hartzell  brought  up  the  main  party. 
Some  of  the  citizen  guards  had  by  this  time  fled  to  the 
woods,  and  those  who  remained  surrendered  without 
further  opposition.  The  bank  property  consisted  of  four 
safes,  containing  about  $700  in  specie,  $2,500,  in  bullion, 
and  $35,000  in  Confederate  bonds.  Also  a  quantity  of 
silver  plate,  jewelry,  &c.  In  addition  to  all  this,  three 
wagons,  one  buggy,  one  horse  and  twelve  mules  were 
captured.  The  property  was  turned  in  by  Capt.  Woolley 
at  Corps  headquarter*. 

In  disposing  of  the  property  ('apt.  Woolley  adhered 
to  the  letter  of  the  law  as  u  responsible  officer,  but  if  is 
to  be  regretted  that  the  brave  men  who  were  wounded 
in  the  affair,  did  not  receive  a  portion  of  the  money  at 
least,  as  a  reward  for  their  daring. 


150        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

We  crossed  Lynch's  Creek,  on  the  1st  of  March,  and 
went  into  camp  two  miles  north  of  the  stream,  at  :i 
point  where  the  road  forks — one  leading  to  Charlotte, 
N.  C.,  the  other  to  Chesterfield.  Lynch"1  s  Creek  is  ahout 
twenty  yards  wide.  It  was  spanned  by  an  excellent 
bridge,  which  the  rebels  for  some  reason,  left  unbiinied. 
A  large  flouring  mill  stood  near  the  bridge.  The  forager* 
had  been  running  it  for  two  days.  They  carried  their 
grists  to  the  mill  on  the  backs  of  their  donkeys. 

March  2d — Advanced  on  the  Chesterfield  road.  The 
foragers,  during  the  previous  day,  had  been  in  North 
Carolina,  where  they  obtained  forage  in  abundance. 
They  struck  out  again  in  that  direction.  The  column 
marched  only  ten  miles,  being  delayed  by  the  breaking 
down  of  a  bridge  over  a  small  stream. 

The  troops  moved  at  6.30  A.  M.,  March  3d.  The  wea- 
ther was  disagreeable  and  the  roads  in  an  execrable  con- 
dition. Several  miles  of  corduroy  were  made.  Reached 
Chesterfield  at  1.30  P.M.,  and  marched  through  the  town 
with  colors  flying  and  bands  playing.  The  column 
passed  Gen.  Sherman's  headquarters.  The  General  was 
standing  in  front  of  his  tent,  looking  as  pleasant  as  a 
May  morning,  apparently  not  at  all  burdened  with  the 
responsibility  of  conducting  the  greatest  raid  on  record. 
We  camped  a  mile  east  of  the  town. 

Lieut.  A.  H.  Trego,  in  his  diary  furnishes  the  follow- 
ing reminiscence  of  Chesterfield : 

"  While  passing  through  the  town  I  saw  one  of  the 
saddest  and  most  affecting  spectacles  that  I  have  wit- 
nessed since  coming  into  the  army.  In  the  road  we  met 
two  women  who  evidently  belonged  to  the  poor  white 
class.  Their  dresses  were  of  hoine-made  cloth — soiled 
and  worn.  They  were  barefoot,  and  apparently  desti- 
tute of  all  clothing  save  their  dresses  and  bonnets.  Their 
features  plainly  indicated  the  marks  of  poverty  and  dis- 
tress. On  the  face  of  one  there  was  an  expression  of  the 
deepest  grief.  Upon  inquiry  I  found  that  she  carried  a 
dead  babe  hi  li<  r  <//•///*.  It  was  her  own  child,  which 
had  been  dead  but  a  short  time.  She  had  lived  almost 
alone.  Only  her  aged  mother  was  with  her.  The  rebels 
had  conscripted  her  husband.  She  was  destitute  of 


REMARKABLE    SMOKE-CLOUD.  151 

means,  and  was  therefore  compelled  to  carry  her  dead 
child  to  her  friends  to  have  it  buried.  She  had  already 
carried  it  three  miles,  and  was  obliged  to  carry  it  eight 
miles  farther.  If  ever  I  felt  pity  and  sorrow  for  any 
human  being  it  was  for  this  poor  heart-broken  woman. 
How  little  is  known  of  the  suffering  among  the  pool- 
people  of  the  South  by  the  loyal  people  of  the  North." 

We  were  informed  at  Chesterfield,  that  twenty-five 
thousand  rebels  awaited  us  beyond  the  Great  Pedee 
"River,  and  would  dispute  the  crossing.  The  rebel  cav- 
alry had  been  acting  for  weeks  as  an  advance  guard  for 
the  Federal  army — trotting  ahead  as  some  one  "observed, 
"to  announce  its  coming."  Some  apprehensions  were 
entertained  that  a  fight  would  occur  near  the  borders  of 
North  Carolina.  But  the  enemy  could  not  interpose  a 
force  sufficient  to  oppose  the  resistless  tide  ot  blue. 
Cheraw,  on  the  South  bank  of  the  Pedee,  was  captured 
on  the  4th,  with  immense  stores  and  many  pieces  of 
artillery. 

On  the  4th  our  division  made  a  flank  movement  on  the 
Wadesboro  road,  and  camped  that  afternoon  in  North 
Carolina,  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  line,  and  near  the 
Yadkin  river — called  the  Great  Pedee  after  it  passes 
into  South  Carolina,  probably  out  of  regard  for  the  sen- 
sitive feelings  of  that  State,  on  the  question  of  State 
rights. 

Sunday,  March  5.  Remained  in  camp.  A  beautiful 
day. 

Marched  at  noon  the  next  day,  down  the  river  in  the 
direction  of  Cheraw.  A  dense,  dark  smoke,  black  as  if 
sent  up  from  the  heart  of  the  bottomless  pit,  loomed  up 
like  a  gathering  storm-cloud  away  over  in  North  Caro- 
lina. At  length  it  hung  like  a  pall  between  the  earth 
and  the  sun,  and  the  sun  was  the  color  of  blood.  At 
first  we  could  not  comprehend  the  cause  of  the  immense 
smoke-cloud,  but  learned  afterwards  that  it  arose  from 
burning  stores  of  rosin.  We  halted  near  Cheraw  and 
awaited  our  turn  to  cross  the  river — waited  till  alter 
dark,  built  fires  and  slept — waiting  finally  till  near  morn- 
ing. Awhile  before  daylight,  marched  through  the  rem- 
nant of  the  town.  An  "  accidental "  fire  had  destroyed 


152        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFAXTIIY    YOLS. 

tin-  best  part  of  the  place.  In  the  dim  light  of  the  morn- 
ing we  crossed  the  Great  Pedee — a  river  that  had  ever 
been  associated  with  glorious  memories  of  the  war  of 
the  Revolution  by  the  daring  deeds  of  Gen.  Francis 
Marion.  A  few  miles  north  of  the  river,  at  a  house  off 
the  mad,  1  asked  a  white-haired  old  gentleman  whether 
Gen.  Marion  was  buried  in  Cheraw.  I  had  previously 
been  informed  that  such  was  the  faet.  "If  he  was,  I 
didn't  know  it.  I've  never  heard  nothing  about  it," 
replied  the  old  man,  indicating  profound  ignorance 
of  the  subject  of  my  inquiries.  Truly,  "  A  prophet  is  not 
without  honor,  save  in  his  own  house." 

The  Great  Pedee  is  a  rapid  stream,  and  had  been 
recently  much  swollen.  As  we  marched  across  the  bot- 
tom land,  north  of  the  river,  the  trees  at  the  roadside 
were  encumbered  with  rubbish  that  had  lodged  there 
when  the  stream  was  up.  This  rubbish  was  lodged 
several  feet  higher  than  the  heads  of  men  on  horseback. 
North  of  the  Great  Pedee  we  entered  the  turpentine 
region.  It  is  a  vast  wilderness  of  pine  trees — just  such 
as  we  have  seen  represented  by  a  wood-cut  in  the  school 
geographies — the  woods  so  dense  that  they  resemble  a 
cane-brake — magnified  into  a  forest.  The  trees  are  many 
of  them  clear  of  limbs  for  a  hundred  feet  from  the  base, 
and  straight  as  an  arrow.  The  only  inhabitants  are  the 
turpentine,  tar  and  rosin  manufacturers.  They  live  con- 
tentedly in  their  secluded  homes,  isolated  from  all  the 
world,  and  have  about  as  distinct  ideas  of  the  real  active 
world  of  mankind,  as  we  have  of  the  mythical  inhabit- 
ants of  the  moon. 

Great  quantities  of  rosin  were  stored  up  in  the  Wilder- 
ness, at  different  places. 

Being  away  from  the  column  one  day  with  a  friend, 
an  immense  cloud  of  smoke  was  observed  at  no  great 
distance  ascending  towards  the  heavens.  We  ap- 
proached the  fire,  and  our  attention  was  attracted  to  a 
rushing,  crackling,  seething  sound,  which  mingled  with 
the  roar  of  the  flames.  "What  wa-  burning;'"  We 
could  not  tell.  The  flames  seemed  to  rise  up  from  the 
surface  of  the  ground.  We  drew  nearer.  The  tire  was 
in  the  head  of  a  small  hollow.  Before  the  brilliant 
flames  which  were  spreading  and  shooting  up  great 


OUR  FORAGERS  IX  A  FIGHT.  153 

tongues  of  fire,  a  boiling  liquid  substance,  like  melted 
lava,  ran  down  the  ravine  on  the  surface  of  a  small 
stream.  "  Have  the  Yankees  set  the  world  on  fire  !" 
thought  we.  Dismounting  we  procured  some  of  the 
boiling  liquid  and  found  it  was  rosin.  A  great  quantity 
was  burning.  Awe-stricken,  we  stood  spell-bound  for  a 
time  watching  the  magnificent  column  of  black  smoke, 
— black  as  blackness  can  be — rising  and  rolling  into  a 
thousand  beautiful  shapes,  which  seemed  crystalizing 
into  substantial  forms  in  the  region  of  the  clouds.  Far 
upwards  in  the  centre  of  the  column  the  flames  ascended, 
and  their  red  light  was  occasionally  brought  to  view  by 
the  evolutions  of  the  smoke. 

Stores  of  rosin  consisting  of  hundreds  of  barrels  were 
often  burned. 

We  camped  the  night  of  March  7th,  at  Laurel  Hill, 
eighteen  miles  northeast  of  Cheraw.  During  the  day,  a 
number  of  the  foragers  who  had  remained  out  all  night 
came  in.  The  detachment  under  Lieut.  T.  G.  Brown 
had  been  engaged  the  previous  day  in  a  sharp  fight  with 
Wheeler's  cavalry.  I  give  Lieut.  Brown's  report  of  the 
affair  in  his  own  words  : 

"  On  the  morning  of  March  6th,  I  started  up  the 
Pedee  river  with  twenty-men  for  the  purpose  of  procur- 
ing forage.  I  proceeded  up  the  river  about  sixteen 
miles.  Near  Wadesboro,  found  a  steam  mill;  ordered 
the  proprietor  to  fire-up  and  go  to  work  grinding  meal 
for  us.'  In  the  mean  time  the  boys  succeeded  in  finding 
as  many  nice  hams  as  the  horses  could  carry.  We  got 
our  meal  ground  about  an  hour  before  sundown  and 
mounted  our  horses  to  start  for  camp,  when,  on  looking 
down  the  road  I  saw  a  party  of  mounted  men,  I  judged 
about  one  hundred.  Thinking  they  were  too  strong  for 
us  I  thought  it  policy  to  retreat,  but  as  soon  as  we 
started  the  "Johnnies"  gave  a  "corn-meal  yell"  and  came 
for  us.  We  issued  our  hams  and  meal,  quicker  than  any 
commissary  could  have  done  it.  The  rebels  being  better 
mounted  were  soon  upon  us.  A  running  fight  was  kept 
up  for  nearly  quarter  of  a  mile,  and  1  saw  they  were 
gaining  on  us  all  the  time.  About  a  dozen  of  them  being 
right  among  us,  while  several  of  the  boys  had  aban- 
doned their  horses  and  taken  to  the  timber.  In  order 


154        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

to  avoid  capture,  on  coming  into  a  lane  I  ordered  a  halt. 
The  boys  all  sprang  from  their  horses  and  began  pump- 
ing their  Spencers,  which  soon  made-  the  rebs  turn  their 
backs  upon  us.  We  followed  them  back  some  distance. 
Saw  four  of  the  poor  devils  that  we  had  shot,  one  of 
them  was  not  quite  dead.  He  said  there  were  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  of  them.  After  we  drove  them  back  they 
made  a  flank  movement  and  attempted  to  charge  us 
across  an  open  field,  but  we  soon  made  them  seek 
the  timber  for  safety.  We  then  started  for  camp. 
Taking  a  small  path  through  the  timber,  we  traveled  at 
a  2-40  rate  for  about  ten  miles.  When  within  about  five 
miles  of  where  we  left  our  brigade  in  the  morning,  we 
learned  from  one  of  our  boys — who  had  become  sepa- 
rated, from  us  in  the  beginning  of  the  fight,  and  was  in 
advance  of  us — that  Butler's  Rebel  Division  was  camped, 
on  the  road  a  short  distance  in  front  of  us.  Here  was 
another  dilemma.  After  due  deliberation  we  left  the 
road,  which  ran  parallel  with  the  river,  and  took  through 
the  country,  keeping  between  the  road  and  river.  We 
had  to  cross  creeks  and  ravines  of  every  size  and  de- 
scription. We  reached  the  14th  A.  C.,  about  one  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  tired  and  hungry,  did  not  overtake  our 
own  command  until  after  11  o'clock  the  next  night.  In 
the  fight  St.  George  of  Co.  "  B  "  had  his  coat  sleeve 
torn  oif  by  a  big  reb  who  Ordered  him  to  surrender.  He 
said  he  "  couldn't  see  it."  Several  of  the  boys  were 
struck  with  pistols  and  carbines.  Quite  a  number  of 
hats  were  lost,  but  the  boys  soon  "  cramped  "  others  of 
the  South  Carolina  chivalry.  I  had  four  men  captured, 
but  only  one  man  wounded — Walker  of  Co.  "  A," — very 
slightly.'' 

During  the  march  from  the  Great  Pedee  to  Fayette- 
ville,  forage  was  exceedingly  scarce.  Foragers  some- 
times rode  all  day  and  saw  only  a  few  wretched  huts. 
To  take  from  the  poverty-stricken  inhabitants  was  to 
rob  the  poor.  It  was  the  only  alternative,  and  the  ma- 
jority of  the  few  citizens  that  lived  in  that  region  were 
left  utterly  destitute. 

The  soldiers  were  often  deeply  affected  by  the  scenes 
of  destitution  and  want.  The  foragers  sometimes 
visited  houses  where  everything  had  been  taken  and  the 


AN   AFFECTING    INCIDENT.  155 

children  were  crying  for  bread.  Having  compassion 
upon  them,  they  would  leave  with  them  some  of  the 
forage  collected  at  other  places,  but  would  scarcely  be 
gone  before  another  party,  less  humane,  would  visit  the 
house  and  take  all  that  had  been  left  by  their  predeces- 
sors. 

I  will  relate  an  incident  that  occurrred  at  a  small 
house  which  the  column  passed  when  we  were  almost 
through  the  pine  wilderness.  An  intelligent  lady  with 
two  children  occupied  the  house  ;  one  was  a  pretty  curly- 
haired  girl  of  about  seven  years,  and  the  other  a  blue- 
eyed  boy  about  four  years  old.  Everything  fit  to  eat, 
and  almost  every  thing  else  had  been  taken.  Many 
soldiers  were  in  and  about  the  house  ;  one  was  lying  on 
the  floor  very  sick.  The  little  boy,  with  tears  standing 
in  his  eyes,  was  crying — "Ma, — ma — I'm  hungry;  I 
want  something  to  eJrt." 

"  I  have  nothing,"  said  she,  "but  an  ear  of  corn ;  I 
made  my  dinner  on  that — ask  the  soldiers  for  something." 
The  soldiers  were  almost  entirely  destitute,  but  they 
could  not  resist  such  appeals — although  the  little  boy 
did  not  ask  them,  as  the  mother  suggested.  They  gave 
the  family  pieces  of  corn  bread,  small  bits  of  pork,  and 
one  or  two  yams. 

The  column  marched  all  day  the  8th  of  March  through 
the  "  pine  barrens,"  and  saw  only  one  house — a  mere 
hut.  It  rained  all  day.  Camped  five  miles  south  of 
Lumber  river. 

We  moved  at  6  o'clock  in  the  morning,  March  9th ; 
followed  a  by-road  four  miles  and  then  halted  to  await 
the  completion  of  a  bridge  across  Lumber  river.  After 
waiting  over  three  hours  we  moved  forward,  and  during 
the  next  two  hours  marched  one  mile.  Night  overtook 
us  in  the  midst  of  a  heavy  rain  storm — still  south  of 
Lumber  river.  General  Ward  had  determined  to  cross 
that  evening.  General  Geary  had  "outflanked"  him 
(luring  the  day,  and  camped  his  division  before  ni^ht. 
Ward  was  therefore  swearing  mad,  and  declared  he 
"  would  not  let  Geary  get  ahead  next  day  if  it  cost  half 
the  men  in  the  Division."  But  the  old  General  was  com- 
pelled to  succumb  to  inevitable  fate  that  evening,  and  he 


156       HISTORY    OP    THE    102d    ILL.    IXFANTKY    VOLS. 

abandoned  the  idea  of  crossing  before  morning. 
camped  as  best  we  could,  hungry,  wet   and   cold.      Hard 
bread  was  issued  that  night — the  first  for  over  a  month. 

AVe  moved  at  six  in  the  morning,  March  10th.  Crossed 
Lumber  river  and  three  swamps  in  passing  over  the  first 
mile.  The  heavy  rains  had  raised  the  water  until  the 
bridges  were  surrounded.  The  road  was  very  narrow, 
and  through  the  mud  and  water  the  wagon  train,  the 
foragers  and  the  infantry,  huddled  all  together,  pressed 
forward.  The  men  were  compelled  to  wade  one  of  the 
swamps.  The  water  was  eighteen  inches  deep  and  very 
cold. 

Although  on  the  road  from  six  o'clock  in  the  morning 
until  ten  o'clock  at  night,  we  marched  only  seven  miles. 
Camped  near  Rock  Fish  Creek — twenty  miles  from  Fay- 
etteville. 

During  the  morning  of  the  llth  the  troops  corduroyed 
three  miles  of  road.  In  the  afternoon  struck  a  plank 
road,  and  at  ten  o'clock  p.  M.  reached  Fayetleville — hav- 
ing inarched  the  last  ten  miles  in  two  and  a  halt'  hours. 

At  Fayettcville,  Gen.  Sherman  communicated  with 
the  Federal  forces  in  Wilmington,  and  we  had  an  oppor- 
tunity to  send  letters  home,  a  privilege  we  had  not 
enjoyed  since  leaving  Robertville,  South  Carolina,  over 
five  weeks  previous. 

We  rested  at  Fayetteville  on  the  12th,  and  marching 
in  review  before  Gen.  Sherman  through  the'city,  crossed 
Cape  Fear  river  on  the  13th. 

The  brigade — excepting  the  102d — camped  a  short  dis- 
tance north  of  the  river.  Our  regiment  was  sent  for- 
ward on  a  reconnoisnnce.  Musketry  firing  was  heard 
not  far  ahead.  The  foragers  were  driving  the  enemy. 
This  they  had  been  doing  for  many  days,  but  they  were 
destined  soon  to  "run  against  an  obstacle, v  which  could 
)i<>{  bu  overcome  by  their  loose  system  of  warfare. 

The  regiment  did  not  come  up  with  the  enemy,  but 
went  into  camp  about  five  miles  north  of  the  river. 
From  that  position  anotlu-r  ivc  mioisancc  was  made  tin- 
following  day.  We  were  accompanied  by  the  20th 
Conn,  and  ;j:id  .Massachusetts  regiments.  The  foragers 
drove  the  enemy  Irum  several  barricades,  but  at  Silver 
Run,  nine  miles' from  our  camp,  on  the  Raleigh  road,  the 


BATTLE    OF    AVERYSBORO.  157 

rebels  were  found  in  a  strong  position,  from  which  they 
refused  to  be  driven.  A  skirmish  line  was  deployed. 
Go's  A,  I,  C  and  E,  went  out  from  the  102d.  A  sharp  skir- 
mish took  place,  lasting  over  an  hour.  But  the  rebels 
were  entrenched,  and  to  all  appearances  had  a  superior 
force.  At  dusk  the  reconnoitering  party  withdrew,  and 
we  made  a  tedious  march  back  to  camp. 

The  troops  advanced  next  morning  on  the  same  road. 
At  Silver  Creek  only  a  light  skirmish  line  of  the  enemy 
was  found.  The  foragers  could  drive  them  without 
difficulty.  We  camped  that  evening  a  short  distance 
north  of  Silver  Creek.  It  rained  furiously.  Our  camp 
\v  as  in  a  pine  wood  that  had  recently  been  burning. 
Everything  was  black,  including  ourselves.  There  was 
plenty  of  water  but  no  soap.  The  enemy  had  become 
stubborn  during  the  evening,  and  skirmished  heavily 
with  Kilpatrick's  men. 

March  16th.  The  troops  moved  early  and  soon  found 
the  enemy.  When  about  four  miles  south  of  Averys- 
boro  heavy  firing  commenced  in  front.  The  1st  Brigade, 
except  the  70th  Indiana,  which  was  "  train-guard,"  was 
formed  on  the  right  of  the  road  in  line  of  battle,  and 
preparations  were  made  for  an  advance.  Finally  we 
moved  by  the  left  flank,  crossed  the  road,  and  made  a 
detour  of  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile  to  the  left.  Then 
moved  to  the  front,  the  skirmishers  becoming  quickly 
engaged.  As  we  advanced  cautiously  through  the  young 
pines  to  the  edge  of  an  open  field,  it  was  perceived  that 
the  Brigade  had  completely  flanked  the  rebel  position. 
Not  more  than  a  hundred  and  twenty-five  yards  in  ad- 
vance they  were  visible  in  great  numbers,  running  for- 
ward to  their  front  line  of  works  to  reinforce  the  rebels 
there  engaged.  At  that  instant  a  number  of  our  men 
yelled  out,  "  Don't  fire — they  are  our  own  men."  For  a 
moment  our  line  was  undecided.  It  was  thought  barely 
possible  that  we  had  become  bewildered  and  were  about 
to  charge  our  own  troops.  Many  months  of  active  cam- 
paigning had  rendered  the  uniform  of  the  opposing 
armies  almost  undistinguishable.  Many  of  the  rebels 
wore  blue,  and  many  of  the  Federals,  having  worn  out 
their  blue,  were  dressed  in  citizen's  gray.  The  enemy  in 


158       HISTORY    OF   TIIE    102  d    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

the  meantime  had  kept  up  a  galling  skirmish  fire,  and 
heavy  artillery  and  infantry  tiring  was  going  on  in  the 
front,  where  the  3d  Brigade  confronted  their  breastworks. 
Soon  all  doubts  as  to  the  identity  of  the  rebels  in  our 
front  were  dispelled.  The  Brigade  raised  a  yell,  and,  as 
if  by  an  intuitive  perception  of  the  duty  required,  rushed 
forward — the  102d  on  the  right,  the  79th  on  our  left; 
the  129th  and  105th  in  the  second  line.  The  rebels, 
completely  surprised  and  outflanked,  instantly  broke. 
Yelling  like  wild  men,  the  Brigade  swept  magnificently 
forward,  directly  in  rear  of  and  parallel  with  the  rebel 
line  of  works.  Three  pieces  of  artillery  fell  into  our 
hands  and  many  prisoners — recumbent  in  a  trench  behind 
their  works — held  up  their  hands  and  handkerchiefs  beg- 
ging for  mercy.  But  the  main  body  of  the  charging 
column  rushed  by  them  and  continued  on  after  the  flying 
enemy,  who  abandoned  blankets,  haversacks,  canteens, 
guns,  cartridge-boxes — everything  that  could  impede 
their  progress.  Reaching  heaVy  timber,  the  pursuing 
column  halted,  re-formed  the  line  of  battle,  and  rested  for 
a  time,  keeping  up  a  sharp  skirmish  fire  with  the  enemy. 
Capt.  Wm.  M.  Armstrong,  of  Co.  B,  who  had  gallantly 
led  his  company  in  the  charge,  was  at  that  time  severely 
wounded  and  was  carried  from  the  field.  At  length, 
other  troops  having  moved  forward  to  our  support,  a 
general  advance  was  made.  The  second  line  of  rebel 
works  was  found  abandoned,  but  as  we  approached  the 
third,  which  was  very  strong,  we  were  met  by  a  rapid 
fire  of  musketry  and  artillery,  the  enemy  throwing  grape 
shot  and  shells.  The  advance  was  made  over  level 
ground,  in  a  pine  wood  that  was  quite  free  of  under- 
brush. The  enemy  had  an  almost  unobstructed  view  of 
our  lines. 

It  seems  reasonable  that  troops  should  not  be  ad- 
vanced into  such  a  position  unless  a  charge  is  intended. 
But  no  charge  was  ordered.  Our  bugle  at  intervals 
sounded  the  Brigade  refrain  kk  Hail  Columbia,"  etc.,  then 
the  "forward."  The  enemy  kiu-w  what  the  bugle  meant 
as  well  as  we,  and  the  moment  the  column  moved,  poured 
in  a  heavy  volley  of  musket  balls  and  grape  shot,  which 
checked  the  advance — the  men  lying  down ;  some  pro- 
tected by  trees  and  logs,  others  in  open  ground.  The 


BATTLE   OF   AVERYSBOKO.  159 

.affair  in  the  morning  had  been  managed  magnificently 
hut  the  afternoon's  work  was  done  in  a  bungling  manner. 
Finally  the  Brigade  threw  up  breastworks  a  hundred 
and  twenty-five  yards  from  the  enemy's  line. 

•  Night  came  on  with  rain.  It  had  been  a  day  of  ex- 
citement and  fatigue.  Cold  and  wet,  we  passed  a  mis- 
erable night.  But  the  rebels  must  have  been  more  mis- 
erable, for,  as  we  discovered  next  morning,  they  retired 
during  the  night,  and  were  obliged  to  pass  along  a  most 
wretched  road,  rendered  almost  impassable  by  the  rain. 

Thus  terminated  the  battle  of  Averysboro.  In  the 
102d  two  men  were  killed  and  nineteen  w^ounded.  The 
killed  wer,e  Cornelius  Lott,  Co.  I,  and  Samuel  D.  Hutch- 
in  son,  Co.  K.  Among  the  wounded  were  Capt.  J.  Y. 
Merritt,  Co.  K,  Capt.  O.  B.  Matteson,  Co.  D,  and  Lieut. 
A.  H.  Trego,  Co.  C,  then  A.  A.  G.  on  staff  of  Brigade  Com- 
mander. 

1st  Sergeant  J.  C.  Simpson  was  shot  through  the  left 
arm,  which  was  afterwards  amputated.  H.  J.  Fisher  was 
accidentally  shot  by  a  comrade,  the  ball  passing  through 
his  left  leg,  which  was  subsequently  amputated. 

The  advance  regiment  of  the  Division  pursued  the 
enemy  through  Averysboro.  The  Division  remained 
near  the  town  until  next  morning  to  keep  up  the  show  of 
a  movement  on  Raleigh. 

General  Sherman,  in  his  report  of  the  "  Campaign  of 
the  Carolinas,"  makes  the  following,  among  other  re- 
marks in  regard  to  the  battle  at  Averysboro.  After  giv- 
ing an  account  of  the  position  of  affairs  on  the  evening 
of  the  15th,  he  says: 

"  Xext  morning  the  column  advanced  in  the  same  order 
and  developed  the  enemy,  with  artillery,  infantry,  and 
cavalry,  in  an  entrenched  position  in  front  of  the  point 
where  the  road  branches  off  toward  Goldsboro,  through 
Bentonville.  On  an  inspection  of  the  map,  it  was  mani- 
fest that  Hardee,  in  retreating  from  Fayetteville,  had 
halted  in  the  narrow  swampy  neck  between  Cape  Fear 
and  South  rivers,  in  hopes  to  hold  me  to  save  time  for 
the  concentration  of  Johnston's  armies  at  some  point  to 
his  reai-,  namely,  Raleigh,  Smithfield,  or  Goldsboro. 
Hardee' s  force  was  estimated  at  20,000  men.  It  was 
necessary  to  dislodge  him,  that  we  might  have  the  use  of 


160        HISTOKY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY   VOLS. 

the  Goldsboro  Road,  as  also  to  keep  up  the  feint  on 
Raleigh  as  long  as  possible.  General  Slocum  was  there- 
fore ordered  to  press  and  carry  the  position,  only  difficult 
by  reason  of  the  nature  of  the  ground,  which  was  so  soft 
that  horses  would  sink  everywhere,  and  even  men  could 
hardly  make  their  way  over  the  common  pine  barren. 

"The  20th  Corps,  General  Williams,  had  the  lead,  and 
Ward's  Division  the  advance.  This  was  deployed,  and 
the  skirmish  line  developed  the  position  of  a  brigade  of 
Charleston  heavy  artillery,  armed  as  infantry,  (Uhett's) 
posted  across  the  road  behind  a  light  parapet,  with  a 
battery  of  guns  enfilading  the  approach  across  a  cleared 
field.  General  Williams  sent  a  brigade  (Case's)  by  a 
circuit  to  his  left  that  turned  this  line,  and  by  a  quick 
charge  broke  the  brigade,  which  rapidly  retreated  back 
to  a  second  line  better  built  and  more  strongly  held. 
The  whole  line  advanced  late  in  the  afternoon,  drove  the 
enemy  well  within  his  entrenched  line,  and  pressed  him 
so  hard  that  next  morning  he  was  gone,  having  retreated 
in  a  miserable  stormy  night  over  the  worst  of  roads. 
Ward's  division  of  infantry  followed  to  and  through 
Averysboro,  developing  the  fact  that  llardee  had  re- 
treated, not  on  Raleigh,  but  on  Smithtield." 

He  also  states  that  the  Division  captured  "  three  guns 
and  217  prisoners,  of  which  68  were  wounded."    * 
That  "one  hundred  rebel  dead  were  buried  by  us,"  and 
that  the  loss  of  the  left  wing  of  his  army  in  that  ait'air 
was  67  killed  and  477  wounded. 

Everything  indicated  that  the  rebels  had  been  badly 
cut  up  *in  the  fight.  Their  dead  and  wounded  were 
found  in  almost  every  house  in  the  vicinity  of  Averys- 
boro— one  house  contained  sixteen  of  their  dead.  In  the 
town  itself  we  found  thirty  of  their  wounded.  An 
abandoned  ambulance,  which  we  passed,  contained  a 
dying  rebel  oilieer.  The  poor  fellow  moaned  piteously. 

We  followed  the  main  army  on  the  Goldsboro  road, 
the  morning  of  the  18th.  Crossed  a  number  of  s\vamj>s  ; 
roads  very  bad — in  some  places  almost  impassable  for 
teams.  All  night  we  were  on  the  move  or  waiting  to 
move,  and  between  sunset  and  Mmrise  j»a>sed  over  but 
tlin  e  mih  s  of  the  road. 


BATTLE    OF    BENTOXVILLE.  161 

The  march  was  continued  on  the  19th.  In  the  after- 
noon of  that  day  the  battle  of  Bentonville  took  place. 
(Jt'ii.  Joe  Johnston  then  hurled  all  of  his  available  force 
on  the  left  flank  of  Sherman's  army.  The  cannonading 
early  in  the  afternoon  became  very  heavy  directly  in  our 
front.  We  were  then  guarding  a  wagon  train,  but  the 
Division  was  ordered  forward  to  assist  those  engaged, 
and  the  teams  were  left  to  come  up  at  leisure.  Then 
there  was  a  rush  towards  the  front — cavalry,  artillery 
and  infantry  all  crowding  along  one  narrow  road.  As 
we  approached  the  scene  of  action  the  roar  of  the  con- 
flict became  perfectly  terrific.  The  advance  brigade  of 
Carlin's  Division,  14th  Corps,  had  been  repulsed,  and 
affairs  looked  somewhat  critical.  Our  batteries  were 
being  served  with  wonderful  energy.  The  crashing 
roar  of  musketry  reminded  us  of  Resaca.  Our  Division 
was  quickly  hurried  to  a  position  on  the  left  of  the  1st 
Division,  and  breastworks  were  thrown  up  by  the  1st 
Brigade  in  almost  no  time.  The  men  thought  they  would 
be  needed,  but  they  were  not.  The  extreme  left  did  not 
become  engaged. 

During  the  day  a  squad  of  eight  foragers  from  our 
Regiment  had  a  severe  fight  with  a  party  of  rebels.  In 
regard  to  the  affair,  Corporal  E.  S.  Ricker,  one  of  the 
eight,  writes : 

"  I  wish  to  do  honor  to  the  memory  of  a  gallant  lad 

who  fell  mortally  wounded  on  that  occasion — Win.  H. 

Hampton,  of  Co.  K.     Eight  of  us  were  attacked  by  over 

thirty  rebels.     Hampton  was  wounded   in  the  leg  just 

above  the  knee  but  continued  to  fight  on  until  he  had 

discharged  his  piece  ten  times,  and  then  fell  on  his  face 

fainting.     You  cannot  do  him  and  others  of  like  charac- 

^ter  full  justice  by  any  eulogium.     He  displayed  the  finest 

'qualities  I  ever  saw  exhibited  in  action." 

The  others  of  the  party  were  not  hurt.  Hampton  was 
taken  to  a  field  hospital,  and  a  week  later  he  died. 

On  the  20th,  orders  were  issued  for  a  general  assault 
upon  the  enemy's  works — to  take  place  next  morning. 
This  order  was  not  communicated  officially  to  the  troops, 
but  it  was  soon  noised  around,  and  that  evening  there 


162        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

was  much  sober  thought  about  the  work  to  be  accom- 
plished on  the  morrow.  In  such  a  case  the  soldiers  dis- 
like to  be  in  suspense.  One  who  distinguished  himself 
on  every  field  where  the  regiment  fought,  describes  his 
feelings  on  that  occasion  in  the  following  words  :  "  After 
hearing  this  news,  we  were  a  sober,  silent  party.  For  it 
is  desperate  work  to  charge  the  enemy's  lines  over  open 
fields,  where,  if  we  should  fail,  there  would  be  but  slight 
hope  of  escape  from  death  or  imprisonment.  We  all 
went  to  bed  early — silent  and  thoughtful.  Were  up  at 
5.30  next  morning  and  ready  to  move  on  the  enemy's 
works.  I  cannot  describe  the  feelings  then  experienced, 
nor  the  thoughts  that  passed  through  my  mind,  as  I  sat 
by  the  fire,  waiting  for  the  time  when  the  work  should 
commence.  I  almost  longed  for  the  time  to  come  that 
the  work  might  be  finished  and  off  my  mind.  This 
thinking  of  a  battle  so  long  before  it  is  to  take  place, 
and  knowing  it  must  be  fought,  almost  makes  a  coward 
of  the  thinker." 

But  the  contemplated  assault  was  abandoned. 

We  remained  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Bentonville  battle 
ground  until  the  morning  of  the  22d ;  in  the  intermedi- 
ate time  built  a  new  line  of  works — marched  to  them — 
returned  to  the  old  line — then  back  again  to  the  new. 
There  was  picket  firing  and  cannonading  on  the  right 
much  of  the  time.  The  morning  of  the  22d,  the  enemy 
having  retired  to  Smithfield,  we  resumed  the  march  to 
Goldsboro.  A  high  wind  was  blowing ;  otherwise  the 
day  was  beautiful.  A  star  (Venus)  was  visible  at  noon- 
day in  the  clear  sky.  It  attracted  general  attention,  and 
the  soldiers  called  it  "  Sherman's  Star,"  and  was  sure  it 
was  the  star  of  peace.  At  dusk  we  reached  Falling 
Creek.  The  bridge  across  the  creek  was  in  a  miserable 
condition — indeed  it  was  the  worst  bridge  we  crossed 
during  the  campaign.  Our  brigade  occupied  two  hours 
in  getting  over. 

On  the  23d  we  crossed  Neuse  River.  Previous  to 
crossing  we  waited  for  a  time  in  a  plowed  field.  The 
wind  was  blowing  a  hurricane,  and  we  were  almost  suf- 
focated with  dust  that  was  swept  up  in  great  clouds  from 
the  field.  During  the  day  we  passed  some  of  Major  Gen. 
Terry's  troops — two  divisions,  one  composed  of  white 


ARRIVAL   AT    GOLDSBORO.  163 

troops  the  other  of  blacks.  Some  of  the  men  from  the 
white  division  complained  very  bitterly  of  their  hard- 
ships. They  "had  been  cut  off  from  communication 
and  had  been  without  letters  seven  days.'1''  Our  men  an- 
swered them  very  consolingly,  saying,  "  It  is  too  bad — a 
real  shame — but  then  we  have  had  no  letters  since  Janu- 
ary 12th — our  latest  news  from  home  is  only  seventy 
days  old."  We  camped  near  Beaver's  Creek  that  even- 
ing nine  miles  southwest  of  Goldsboro.  The  rebel 
cavalry  skirmished  there  with  the  pickets.  The  102d 
being  detailed  to  guard  the  pack  mules  into  town,  Ave 
were  up  at  1  o'clock  A.  M.,  March  24th.  Moved  without 
breakfast  an  hour  nd  a  half  later — reached  Goldsboro 
at  daylight.  Finally  the  Briga  ie  went  into  camp  and 
constructed  breast  works  two  miles  north  of  the  town. 

During  the  raid  the  102d  lost  44  men — killed,  wounded 
and  captured. 

Excepting  one  or  two  intervals  of  rest,  we  had  been 
raiding  fifty-two  days,  and,  according  to  Gen.  Sherman's 
own  statement,  had  marched  nearly  five  hundred  miles. 
The  troops  were  ragged  beyond  all  description.  Swarthy, 
smoked  and  worn  out — many  without  shoes — no  wonder 
the  negro  solci  rs  of  Terry's  command  said,  as  the 
raiders  marched  by,  "  Sherman's  men  are  a  hard  lookin' 
set,  suah"  If  the  army  could  have  marched  through  a 
northern  city,  appearing  as  it  did,  the  people  would  have 
held  up  their  hands  in  amazement  and  inquired,  "  What 
wretched  ragamuffins  are  these?" — and  some  independent 
soldier  would  have  replied,  "  Only  Sherman's  Greasers." 


164        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 


CHAPTER  XL 

Rest  and  recuperation.  New  clothes.  Thpfalttnxj  at 
.Richmond  and  Petersburg.  The  glorious  nxnlt. 
Advance  on  Raleigh.  News  of  the  surrender  of  Lee's 
Army.  GOING  HOME.  THE  HOMEWARD  MARCH. 

The  army  needed  a  long  rest  at  Goldsboro,  but  did 
not  get  it.  We  remained  there  from  the  24th  of  March 
until  the  10th  of  April.  During  the  intermediate  time 
new  clothes  were  drawn,  and  the  great  ragged  army 
came  out  in  an  entirely  new  suit  of  blue. 

While  at  Goldsboro,  Capt.  Isaac  McM.inus  rejoined 
the  regiment.  He  had  been  commissioned  Lieutenant- 
Colonel,  but,  as  we  had  two  field  officers,  could  not  be 
mustered  into  that  grade.  Col.  McManus  had  earned 
the  position  by  his  valuable  services  and  his  sufferings, 
and  he  is  therefore  generally  accorded  the  title  which 
was  withheld  from  him  by  a  mere  technicality.  At  the 
date  of  this  writing  he  is  still  suffering  from  the  wound 
received  at  Pine  Mountain — his  left  arm  being  hopelessly 
crippled. 

The  news  of  severe  fighting  at  Petersburg  and  Rich- 
mond reached  us  about  the  4th  of  April.  On  the  6th 
there  was  a  grand  review  of  the  division  by  Major-Gen. 
Mower,  who  had  succeeded  Gen.  Williams  in  the  com- 
mand of  the  20th  Corps.  As  we  were  coming  in  from  the 
review,  we  heard  heavy  cheering  Jar  away  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Goldsboro.  Gradually  tin-  wave  of  enthusiasm 
approached  our  part  of  the  line — one  regiment  following 
another  in  such  outbursts  of  deafening  cheers  as  can  only 
be  heard  from  soldiers  in  the  hour  of  victory. 

What  could  it  mean  ?  We  approached  our  camp  and 
the  glad  news  was  (hen  on  every  tmigm — "  RICHMOND 
IS  OURS."  Then  the  old  "  First*  Brigade  "  swelled  the 
deep  chorus  of  voices  that  went  up  from  all  the  hills  and 
valleys  around  Goldsboro.  Everybody  became  happy. 


THE    ADVANCE    ON    RALEIGH.  165 

That  afternoon,  business  was  almost  suspended  in  high 
military  circles.  The  army  was  wild  with  joy.  Addi- 
tional news  in  regard  to  the  great  victories,  occasioned 
new  outbursts  of  feeling.  With  enthusiasm  that  knew 
no  bounds,  the  troops  received  the  order  of  Gen.  Grant 
announcing  the  result,  and  saying  substantially  to  Gen. 
Sherman :  "  Move  immediately  against  Johnston,  and 
let  us  finish  up  the  job  at  once." 

The  morning  of  the  10th,  we  were  in  motion.  Our 
brigade  moved  through  Goldsboro,  made  slow  time,  and 
camped  about  six  miles  southwest  of  town  near  Mocka- 
sin  River.  The  next  day  we  made  a  rapid  march  to 
Smith  field.  The  day  was  very  warm  and  great  numbers 
of  the  soldiers  fell  out  by  the  way,  completely  exhausted. 
Several  men  died  of  excessive  heat.  Others  were  in 
spasms,  and  many  were  doubtless  injured  for  life. 

It  appeard  afterwards  that  there  was  no  necessity 
whatever  for  the  rapid  march.  No  enemy  was  found  at 
Smithfield, 

Camped  the  night  of  the  llth  a  quarter  of  a  mile  east 
of  the  town.  Moved  at  sunrise  next  morning — on  the 
road  leading  westward  through  Smithfield.  As  the 
head  of  the  column  approached  the  ancient  little  town, 
cheer  after  cheer  reached  us  from  other  columns  and 
from  the  camps  of  other  Droops.  "  More  good  news  "  the 
soldiers  said  and  pressed  forward  to  hear  it  announced. 
An  Aid  soon  rode  along  the  column,  and  the  electric 
words  thrilled  every  heart,  "LicE  HAS  SURRENDERED 

WITH  HIS  WHOLE  ARMY  !" 

Then  the  cheering  surpassed  all  previous  manifesta- 
tions. Hats  new  into  the  air  as  thick  as  the  flying  leaves 
of  autumn.  Oh  !  the  unspeakable  joy  of  that  moment  to 
the  war-worn  soldiers.  The  glorious  words  needed  no 
comment.  All  felt  that  the  war  was  virtually  over — the 
Union  saved..  A  few  moments  later  we"  passed  Gen. 
Sherman,  who  was  walking  rapidly  to  and  fro  on  the 
sidewalk,  his  hands  crossed  behind  him.  He  was  evi- 
dently absorbed  in  deep  thought,  but  his  thoughts  could 
only  have  been  of  a  happy  nature,  for  he  had  just  issued 
an  order  in  which  the  following  noble  sentiments  were 
uttered,  substantially  in  these  words  :  * 


166         HISTORY    OP    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

"  All  glory  be  to  God!  And  all  Jwnor  to  <»<,•  brave 
comrades  towards  whom  we  have  been  marching !  A 
little  m.ore  toil ;  a  few  more  days  of  labor,  and  the  great 
race  is  won ;  and  our  government  stands  before  the 
world  redeemed  and  dismtliralled." 

The  march  on  that  day  was  also  severe.  We  crossed 
Neuse  river  and  camped  twelve  miles  from  Raleigh,  on 
the  west  side  of  a  small  creek. 

Moved  at  daylight  the  13th,  and  reached  Raleigh 
Avithout  opposition  at  2  o'clock  p.  M.  Went  into  camp 
southeast  of  the  city.  The  rear  of  Johnston's  army  had 
retired  during  the  previous  night. 

Saturday,  the  15th,  according  to  previous  orders  we 
were  ready  to  move  at  six  o'clock  in  the  morning.  But 
the  order  was  countermanded.  Joe  Johnston,  as  we 
subsequently  learned,  had  offered  to  talk  with  Gen. 
Sherman  about  surrendering. 

While  negotiations  were  pending,  the  news  of  the 
assassination  of  the  President  reached  us.  The  army 
during  many  days,  had  been  intoxicated  with  joy,  but 
•when  this  terrible  news  was  confirmed,  the  general  joy 
was  turned  into  mourning.  Had  all  the  bright  omens  of 
peace  been  suddenly  swept  away  the  reaction  could  not 
have  been  as  violent  as  it  was  under  the  effect  of  this 
one  harrowing  thought — Lincoln  slain  in  the  hour  of 
victory.  O  !  how  the  great  heart  of  the  army  throbbed 
and  swelled ;  first  with  the  wild  thirst  for  vengeance, 
and  then  with  a  profound  sorrow,  that  would  heed  no 
words  of  consolation. 

Two  days  after  the  receipt  of  this  news,  Gen.  Sher- 
man announced  that  he  had  effected  an  arrangement  with 
Johnston,  which  if  approved  at  Washington  would 
secure  peace,  and  he  would  soon  be  enabled  to  "  conduct 
us  to  our  homes."  Peace  and  home — sweet  words.  But 
this  great  news  was  scarcely  sufficient  to  arouse  the 
army  from  the  deep  lethargy  into  which  it  had  fallen. 
Patiently  we  awaited  the  return  of  the  messenger  that 
had  been  sent  to  Washington  with  the  "memoranda"  of 
Gen.  Sherman's  arrangement  with  Johnston.  With  the 
announcement  of  his  return  we  expected  to  receive 
orders  to  commence  the  homeward  march. 


GRANT    AND    SHERMAN.  167 

The  citizens  of  Raleigh  and  vicinity,  were  anxious  for 
a  restoration  of  peace  and  a  return  to  the  old  order  of 
things.  Some  of  them  had  never  been  disloyal,  while 
the  disloyalty  of  others  had  been  most  effectually  subju- 
gated. An  old  citizen,  whom  our  foragers  visited  in  the 
country,  entertained  very  peculiar  ideas  in  reference  to 
the  state  of  the  country.  "  I  always  told  them  so,"  said 
he,  alluding  to  his  fire-eating  neighbors.  "  I  always  told 
them 'Uncle  Sam'  would  be  our  next  President,  and 
now  its  going  to  be  just  as  I  told  'em.  *  Uncle  Sam's  ' 
bound  to  be  our  next  President." 

Raleigh  is  a  beautiful  city.  The  site  is  elevated,  and 
the  ground  undulating.  The  State  house  is  large  and 
commodious,  but  not  remarkable  for  its  beauty.  In  front 
of  it  there  is  a  magnificent  bronze  statue  of  Washington, 
representing  him  clad  in  the  panoply  of  war.  The  Insane 
Asylum  is  an  imposing  structure,  six  hundred  feet  in 
length  and  of  a  proportionate  height.  There  is  also  in 
the  city  an  asylum  for  the  deaf  and  dumb. 

Those  of  our  regiment  who  were  in  Raleigh  the  morn- 
ing of  the  24th,  witnessed  a  grand  pageant — the  review 
of  the  17th  Corps  by  Gens.  Grant  and  Sherman.  Grant 
had  arrived  that  morning.  Very  few  were  aware  of  his 
presence  in  the  city.  As  the  hour  for  the  commencement 
of  the  review  approached,  an  immense  concourse  of  spec- 
tators, soldiers  and  citizens,  collected  about  the  reviewing 
stand.  Guards  kept  the  streets  clear.  At  length  the 
familiar  form  of  Sherman,  on  horseback,  caught  the  eye 
of  the  crowd.  But  who  was  that  with  him,  riding  on 
the  right — short,  heavy-set,  iron-featured  ;  looking  travel- 
worn,  yet  having  the  bearing  of  the  quiet  great  man.  It 
was  Grant,  fresh  from  the  scenes  of  his  victories  in  Vir- 
ginia. The  glorious  old  17th  Corps  marched  proudly 
that  day.  It  was  a  pleasure  to  them  to  dip  their  tattered 
flags  to  the  chief  whom  they  had  known  at  Vicksburg. 

The  Generals  remained  seated  upon  their  horses  at  the 
reviewing  post.  Grant  was  quiet  and  calm  as  usual. 
Sherman  who  was  stationed  then  on  his  right — a  very 
little  retired — exhibited  a  slight  degree  of  restlessness — 
looking  occasionally  to  the  right  and  to  the  left,  and  then 
fixing  his  eyes  for  an  instant  on  the  ground  as  if  in  deep 


168        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY' VOLS. 

thought.  He  had  that  morning  received  the  informa- 
tion that  his  arrangement  with  Johnston  was  disap- 
proved. 

Other  distinguished  Generals  were  there — Howard, 
Schofield,  Logan,  Jeff.  C.  Davis,  Slocum,  Blair,  and  a 
host  of  other  Major  Generals,  with  a  small  regiment  of 
Brigadiers. 

At  the  close  of  the  review,  as  Sherman  and  Grant  rode 
through  the  crowd,  there  was  a  spontaneous  outburst  of 
cheering,  and  their  way  was  almost  blocked  by  the  surg- 
ing mass  of  humanity — weak  humanity  it  is  true,  and  yet 
it  is  no  mean  quality  to  honor  the  truly  great. 

That  evening,  without  one  word  of  explanation,  we 
were  ordered  to  be  in  readiness  to  march  the  following 
morning.  Rumors  were  rife  that  President  Johnston 
had  disapproved  of  Sherman's  proceedings,  and  that  we 
were  to  "go  for  them"  again.  The  troops  were  ner- 
vously excited,  and  not  a  little  angry  with  the  new 
President.  "  Grape-vine "  said  that  Sherman  had  ten- 
dered his  resignation,  but  the  men  could  not  tolerate  the 
thought.  They  wanted  no  other  leader. 

The  morning  of  the  25th  the  new  campaign  opened. 
It  was  destined  to  be  short.  A  few  moments  after  the 
march  commenced  Col.  Smith  and  Adjutant  Snyder 
rejoined  the  regiment,  both  having  been  "  absent  with 
leave,  and  "  on  detached  service."  Our  new  chaplain, 
Rev.  C.  M.  Wright,  had  joined  the  regiment  a  few  days 
before — also  Capt.  D.  W.  Sedwick  and  Lieut.  Wm.  H. 
Bridgford. 

Our  regiment,  with  the  corps,  marched  out  about 
fourteen  miles  on  the  Holly  Springs  road.  Camped  six 
miles  from  the  springs,  and  remained  there  during  the 
26th  and  27th.  ]n  the  meantime  Johnston  surren- 
dered. We  returned  to  Raleigh  the  morning  of  the  28th, 
and  immediately  commenced  preparations  lor  the  home- 
ward march. 

Being  sick  at  the  time  and  unable  to  march  with  the 
troops,  J  have  obtained  of  Corporal  E.  S.  Ricker,  of  Co.  I, 
a  brief  sketch  of  the  march  Irom  Raleigh  to  Alexandria. 
Friend  Ricker  is  an  accomplished  writer,  but  has  had  no 
time  to  furnish  more  than  the  mere  outline  of  the  march. 
He  says : 


ENROUTE    FOB    RICHMOND.  169 

"  At  seven  A.  M.,  on  the  30th  of  April,  we  left  Raleigh 
en  route  for  Washington,  via  Richmond.     Marched  thir- 
teen miles  and  c  mped  on   the    west  side   of  the  Neuse 
river,  near  Faust's  Paper  Factory.     Ward's  Division  in 
the  rear.     May  1st. — Early  in  the  morning  crossed   the 
river — marched  twenty  miles — Ward's  Division  in  the 
rear.     May  2d. — Marched  thirteen  miles,  and  went  into 
camp  on  the  north  bank  of  Tar  river.    May  3d. — Marched 
twenty -five  miles  and  passed  from  North  Carolina  into 
Virginia.       Crossed    Roanoke    river    after   night,    and 
camped  near  that  stream.     Our  division  (Wardvs)  which 
had  been  previous  to  that  time  considerably  in  the  rear, 
came  up  with  the  corps  at  the  Roanoke,  and  passed  over 
the  river  in  advance.     May  4th. — Moved  at  half-past  four 
A.  M.,  Gen.  Ward  in  advance.     Crossed  Meherrin   river, 
at   Saftbld's  Bridge.     Marched  twenty  miles  that  day. 
May  5th. — Moved  again  at  half-past  four  in  the  morning. 
Ward  in  advance.     102d  in  the  rear  of  the  division — 
acting  as  train  guard.     Reached  camp  at  three  o'clock 
p.  M.,  on  the  north  side  of  the  Nottoway  river,  having 
marched  eighteen  miles — weather  very  warm.     May  6th 
— Moved  out  soon  after  daylight,  marched  about  fifteen 
miles — passed  through  Black's  and  White's  and  Well- 
ville  stations,  on  the  Petersburg  and  Lynchburg  railroad. 
At  the  former  place  found  some   of  the  Sixth   Corps — 
Army  of  the  Potomac — on   duty.     Went  into   camp  at 
noon  ;  weather  excessively  warm.     A  ration  of  whisky 
was  issued  to  the  men.     Moved  May  7th,   at  4.30  A.   M. 
Harrison's  Brigade  in   advance   of  the   corps.     Crossed 
the  Appommatox  River  before  noon  and  reached  camp 
at   Clover    Hill,  twenty-one  miles  from   Richmond,    at 
12.30  p.  M.,  having  marched  about  eighteen  miles.     May 
8th. — Moved  at  4.30  A.  M.,  and  went  into  camp  at  noon, 
seven  miles  from  Richmond;  weather  very  warm.     May 
9th. — Moved  two  and   a  half  miles  in  the  direction    of 
Manchester.     Orders  were  received  from  Gen.  Halleck, 
directing  the  army  to  resume  the  march  towards  Wash- 
ington on  the  following  morning.     The  order  announced 
that    the    troops    would    pass    in   review   before   Gen. 
Halleck's  headquarters.     1  hat  evening  Gen.  Sherman  ar- 
rived from  Savannah.  May  10th — Orders  received  on  the 
previous  day  were  countermanded.  May  llth,  at  11  A.  M., 


170         HISTORY    OF    TIIE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    YOLS. 

the  march  was  resumed,  but  the  troops  did  not  march  in 
n-\  ie\v  through  Richmond.  Fussed  Castle  Thunder  and 
Libby  Prison.  We  were  treated  with  marked  attention  by 
the  people.  They  supplied  the  thirsty  soldiers  with  water 
and  in  some  cases  with  wine.  We  camped  four  miles 
from  Capitol  Square,  on  the  road  loading  to  Washington, 
and  at  the  point  where  Kilpatrick  trained  his  artillery  on 
Richmond  in  one  of  his  dashing  exploits  when  connected 
with  the  Potomac  army.  May  12th. — Marched  nine 
miles.  Roads  in  bad  condition.  Waited  in  the  morn- 
ing for  the  17th  Corps  to  pass.  The  14th  Corps  was  in 
advance  of  the  20th — crossed  the  Chickahominy  and 
camped  one  mile  south  of  Ashland.  May  1 3th. — Crossed 
the  South  Anna  in  the  forenoon,  marched  fifteen  miles 
and  camped  at .  night  on  the  south,  side  of  Little 
River.  May  14th. — Crossed  Little  River  and  the  North 
Anna.  Ward's  Division  in  the  rear.  Marched  about 
17  miles  and  camped  within  seven  miles  of  Spottsylvania, 
C.  H.  May  15th. — Marched  fifteen  miles;  passed  through 
Spottsylvania  ;  saw  many  evidences  of  the  hard  fighting 
that  took  place  there ;  camped  that  evening  on  the  old 
Chancellorsville  battle  ground.  May  16th. — A  march  of 
four  miles  brought  us  to  the  Rappahannock,  which  we 
crossed  at  United  States  Ford.  Camped  at  sunset  near 
White  Ridge — a  hamlet  of  half  a  dozen  houses.  Dis- 
tance marched  about  twenty-one  miles. 

Early  that  morning,  Adjutant  J.  II.  Snyder,  with  a 
mounted  orderly,  W.  O.  Jones,  of  Co.  I,  rode  off  from 
the  column  to  view  the  battle-ground.  They  never 
r<  turned,  and  no  clue  to  their  fate  has  since  been  ob- 
tained. 

May  17th. — Marched  fifteen  miles  and  camped  at  Occo- 
quon  Creek.  May  18th. — In  the  forenoon  crossed  Bull 
Run,  a  wide,  shallow  stream,  with  gravelly  bottom,  and 
clear  water*  Marched  eighteen  miles,  and  camped  two 
miles  northeast  of  Fairfax  C.  H.  Weather  excessively 
warm.  May  19th. — Moved  at  an  early  hour  and  readied 
camp  two  and  a  half  miles  from  Alexandria,  a  little  after 


MYSTERIOUS    DISAPPEARANCE.  171 

ADJUTANT  J.  H.  SNYDER. 

In  the  preceding  notes  of  the  homeward  march,  refer- 
ence is  made  to  the  mysterious  disappearance  of  Adju- 
tant Snyder  a. id  Private  W.O.  Jones.  As  far  as  known,  the 
circumstances  attending  this  sad  affair  were  as  follows  : 

The  regiment  being  camped  on  the  old  Chancellorsville 
battle  ground,  there  was  an  opportunity  to  visit  the  inter- 
esting localities  in  that  historic  region.  When  the  regi- 
ment was  in  line  ready  to  move,  May  16th,  Adjutant 
Snyder  and  W.  O.  Jones,  rode  away  from  the  column  to 
view  the  battle-ground.  A  short  time  afterwards  they 
were  seen  by  a  member  of  Co.  C,  about  two  miles  from 
the  column  on  the  left.  They  were  then  inquiring  the 
distance  and  direction  to  the  moving  column.  A  squad 
of  about  twenty  citizens  was  passing  at  the  time.  They 
said  they  were  "  going  to  Fredericksburg  to  take  the 
oath."  When  we  reflect  what  villains  a  majority  of  the 
oath-loving  citizens  were,  we  may  well  suspect  that  those 
men  were  none  too  good  to  waylay  and  murder  a  Union 
soldier. 

It  was  for  a  time  supposed  that  they  had  tarried  on 
the  field  until  the  pontoon  bridge  was  taken  up  and  had 
been  compelled  to  seek  a  crossing  at  Fredericksbur r. 
But  as  day  after  day  passed  and  nothing  was  heard  of 
them,  it  became  apparent  that  they  had  met  with  foul 
play.  Fr  >m  Washington,  Lieut.  Trego  went  back  to 
Fivdericksburg,  and  with  a  small  squad  of  men,  searched 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  Chancellorsville  battleground,  but 
could  get  no  clue  to  the  fate  of  the  missing  men. 

Adjutant  Snyder  was  in  many  r  spects  a  remarkable 
young  man.  Noble,  generous  and  brave,  his  character 
was  in  every  respect  above  reproach.  The  best  facul- 
ties of  the  mind  ruled  his  life.  Temperate,  honest  and 
intelligent ;  with  a  refined  love  of  the  beautiful,  the  true 
and  the  pure  in  nature  and  in  human  character,  and  pos- 
sessing withal  a  genial  disposition,  he  was  the  soul  of 
every  social  circle  in  which  he  moved,  and  was  ever  in 
the  sunshine  of  life.  An  enthusiastic  lover  of  music,  he 
excelled  in  that  noble  accomplishment.  Since  returning 
home  the  men  of  the  regiment  often  hear  the  strains  he 
used  to  sing,  and  memory  instantly  recalls  the  old  camp 
ground  and  the  Adjutant  with  his  guitar. 


172       HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that  a  more  careful  search  was 
not  made  for  the  lost  men  before  the  Regiment  left 
WasTiington.  Even  at  this  late  day  some  clue  might  be 
obtained  that  would  account  for  their  mysterious  disap- 
pearance. As  members  of  the  102d,  we  owe  it  to  t  .e 
memory  of  our  lost  comrades  to  have  another  and  a 
thorough  search  made.  Until  this  is  done  we  cannot 
feel  that  we  have  properly  discharged  our  duty  in  the 
premises. 

w.  o.  JONES. 

Private  Jones,  who  was  lost  with  the  Adjutant,  was 
then  acting  in  the  capacity  of  mounted  orderly,  and  was 
a  good  boy.  Faithful  in  the  discharge  of  duty,  he  was 
mild  and  patient  under  all  circumstances.  Often  he 
talked  of  the  approaching  day  of  peace,  and  of  return- 
ing to  the  home  he  was  destined  to  see  no  more.  He 
was  esteemed  throughout  the  Regiment  as  a  faithful 
soldier. 

While  encamped  near  Alexandria,  preparations  were 
made  for  the  g  and  review  in  Washington,  and  on  the 
24th,  at  an  early  hour  in  the  morning,  the  army  was  in 
motion.  It  was  a  beautiful  morning,  and  as  the  columns, 
following  a  serpentine  course,  passed  ov.r  Arlington 
Heights,  the  scene  was  magnificent.  There  the  soldiers 
caught  the  first  view  of  the  grand  dome  of  the  Capitol 
building.  About  9  o'clock  A.  M.  we  crossed  the  Potomac 
over  Long  Bridge,  and  felt  that  we  were  out  of  the  land 
of  Secessia.  The  head  of  the  column  was  halted  at 
Capitol  Hill,  and  from  t.iat  point  t  e  review  commenced. 

Marching  around  the  Capitol  building,  we  passed  into 
Pennsylvania  2  .venue,  thenceforward  for  two  miles — to 
the  President's  house — dense  masses  of  humanity  occu- 
pied the  pavement  on  each  side  of  the  street,  and  at 
some  places  crowded  upon  the  marching  column.  Every 
available  place  of  observation  was  taken  up.  The  noble 
army  of  the  Potomac  had  marched  by,  the  previous  day. 
And  these  were  "Sherman's  raiders."  How  would  they 
acquit  themselves  ?  In  column  by  company,  with  eyes 
fixed  to  the  front,  the  regiments  moved  as  one  man — 
sixty  thousand  bayonets  gleaming  in  the  sunlight,  and 


CKAXD    REVIEW    IX    WASHIXGTOX.  173 

each  regiment  bearing  aloft  the  old  flag.  "  Sherman 
has  been  abused"  they  said,  and  marched  more  proudly. 
There  was  music,  but  no  music  was  needed  to  secure  a 
uniform  motion.  The  steady  tramp — tramp — tramp — 
of  each  company  on  the  paving  stones,  was  heard  dis- 
tinctly above  the  hum  of  voices  and  the  strains  of  music. 
The  pride  and  strength  of  the  Great  West  swept  down 
Pennsylvania  Avenue.  Kind  words  of  welcome  in  ap- 
propriate mottoes,  greeted  the  eyes  of  the  soldiers,  jnd 
bevies  of  beautiful  ladies  smiled  a  welcome  still  more 
prized.  Onward  the  column  moved.  Cheers  rang  out 
on  all  sides.  In  its  turn,  with  soldiery  tread,  the  102d — 
preceded  by  the  70th  Indiana,  and  followed  by  the  79th 
Ohio,  129th  and  105th  Illinois — "  dipped"  the  old  flag  to 
the  President,  Grant,  Sherman  and  a  brilliant  galaxy  of 
other  t.istingu'shed  men  of  our  own  and  other  lands. 

After  the  review  we  marched  to  a  camp  near  the 
northeast  corner  of  the  District  of  Columbia — one  com- 
pany of  the  regiment  being  camped  around  the  corner- 
stone. 

Thus  we  have  traced  the  career  of  the  Regiment  to 
its  virtual  close.  In  reviewing  what  has  been  written,  I 
am  conscious  that  no  delineations  in  the  foregoing  pages 
have  adequately  portrayed  the  worth  of  the  brave  men 
who  shouldered  their  muskets  on  the  banks  of  the  Ohio, 
and  fi*3m  that  point  carried  our  good  old  flag  through 
Kentucky  and  Tennessee  into  Georgia — where  its  bright 
folds  gleamed  on  many  sanguinary  fields — and  thence 
bore  it  onward  in  "  the  inarch  to  the  sea,"  the  "  cam- 
paign of  the  Carolinas,"  and  finally  exhibited  it,  tattered 
and  torn,  in  the  capital  of  the  nation  which  they  went 
forth  to  save.  How  they  tciled  onward  when  weary 
limbs  almost  refused  them  support,  still  looking  forward 
t<>  the  hour  of  final  victory,  let  the  words  of  a  Christian 
warrior  tell.  They  are  the  noble  words  of  Major 
General  O.  O.  Howard,  and  were  spoke  at  Gettysburg, 
July  4th,  1865  : 

"  I  would  point  you  to  the  soldier  pursuing  his  enemy 
into  the  strongholds  of  Dalton,  behind  the  stern  impas- 
sable features  of  Rocky  Face,  Rc-saca,  Adairsville,  C'ass- 
ville,  Dalla; ,  New  Hope  Church,  Pickett's  Mill,  Pine- 
top,  Lost  Mountain,  Kenesaw,  Culp's  Farm,  Smyrna, 


174        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

Camp  Ground,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Atlanta,  from  so  many 
points  of  view,  and  Jonesboro,  are  name  of  battle  fields 
upon  each  of  which  a  soldier's  memory  dwells.  For 
upwards  of  a  hundred  days  he  scarcely  rested  from  the 
conflict  He  skirmished  over  rocks,  hills  and  mountains; 
through  mud,  streams  and  forest?.  For  hundreds  of 
miles  he  gave  his  aid  to  dig  that  endless  chain  of  in- 
trenchments  which  compassed  every  one  of  the  enemy's 
fortified  positions.  He  companied  with  those  who  corn- 
batted  the  obstinate  foe  on  the  front  and  on  the  flanks 
of  those  mountain  fastnesses  which  the  enemy  had 
deemed  impregnable,  and  he  had  a  right  at  last  to  echo 
the  sentiment  of  his  indefatigable  leader,  'Atlanta  is 
ours,  and  fairly  won.' 

"  Could  you  now  have  patience  to  turn  back  with  him 
and  fight  these  battles  over  again,  behold  his  communi- 
cations cut,  his  railroad  destroyed  for  miles  and  miles ; 
enter  the  bloody  fight  of  Alatoona,  follow  him  through 
the  forced  marches,  via  Rome,  Georgia,  away  back  to 
Resaca,  and  through  the  obstructed  gaps  of  the  moun- 
tains of  Alabama,  you  would  thank  God  for  giving  him 
a  stout  heart  and  an  unflinching  faith  in  a  just  and  noble 
cause.  Weary  and  w^orn,  he  reposed  at  Atlanta,  on  his 
return,  but  one  single  night,  when  he  commenced  the 
memorable  march  toward  Savannah.  The  soldier  lias 
become  a  veteran  ;  he  can  march  all  day  with  his  mus- 
ket, his  knapsack,  his  cartridge  box,  his  haversack  and 
canteen  upon  his  person ;  his  muscles  have  become 
large  and  rigid,  so  that  what  was  once  extremely  diffi- 
cult he  now  accomplishes  with  graceful  ease.  This  fact 
must  be  borne  in  mind  when  studying  the  soldiers' 
march  through  Georgia  and  the  Carolinas.  The  enemy 
burned  every  bridge  across  stream  after  stream ;  the 
rivers,  bordered  with  swamps — for  example,  the  Ocmul- 
gee,  the  Oconee  and  the  Ogechee — were  defended  at 
every  crossing.  That  they  were  passed  at  all  by  our 
forces,  is  due  to  the  cheerful,  fearless,  indomitable  pri- 
vate soldier. 

"  Oh,  that  you  had  seen  him  as  T  have  done,  wading 
creeks  a  half  mile  in  width  and  water  waist  deep,  under 
lire,  pressing  on  through  wide  swamps,  without  one  fal- 
tering step,  charging  in  line  upon  the  most  formidable 


175 

works,  which  were  well  defended  !  You  could  then  ap- 
preciate him  and  what  he  accomplished  as  I  do.  You 
could  then  feel  the  poignant  sorrow  that  I  always  did 
feel  when  I  saw  him  fall  bleeding  to  the  earth.  I  must 
now  leave  the  soldier  to  tell  his  own  tale  among  the  peo- 
ple ;  of  his  bold,  bloody  work  at  McAllister  against  the 
torpedoes,  abattis,  artillery  and  musketry ;  of  his  priva- 
tions at  Savannah ;  of  his  struggles  through  the  swamps, 
quicksands,  and  over  the  broad  rivers  of  the  Carolinas ; 
of  the  fights,  fires,  explosions,  doubts  and  triumphs  sug- 
gested by  Griswoldville,  Rivers'  and  Binnaker's  bridges, 
Orangeburg,  Congaree  Creek,  Columbia,  Cheraw,  Fay- 
etteville,  Averysboro,"  and  Bentonville.  I  will  leave  him 
to  tell  how  his  hopes  brightened  at  the  re-union  at 
Goldsboro.  How  his  heart  throbbed  with  gratitude  and 
joy  as  the  wires  confirmed  the  inmored  news  of  Lee's 
defeat,  so  soon  to  be  followed  by  the  capture  of  the 
enemy's  Capital  and  of  his  entire  army.  I  will  leave 
him  to  tell  to  yourselves  and  your  children  how  he  felt 
and  acted  ;  how  proud  was  his  bearing ;  how  elastic 
his  step  as  he  marched  in  review  before  the  President 
of  the  United  States  at  Washington !  I  would  do  the 
soldier  injustice  not  to  say  that  there  was  one  thing 
wanting  to  make  his  satisfaction  complete,  and  that  was 
the  sight  of  the  tall  form  of  Abraham  Lincoln,  and  the 
absence  of  that  bitter  recollection  which  he  could  not 
altogether  exclude  from  his  heart — that  he  had  died  by 
the  hand  of  a  traitor  assassin." 

While  we  were  in  camp  near  Washington,  General 
Sherman  issued  the  following  farewell  order  : 

HEADQUARTERS  MIL.  Div.  OF  THE  Miss.,  ) 
In  the  Field,  Washington,  D.  C.,  May  30, 1865.       j 
Special  Field  Orders  No.  76. 

The  General  Commanding  announces  to  the  Army  of 
the  Tennessee  and  Georgia,  that  the  time  has  come  for 
us  to  part.  Our  work  is  done,  and  armed  enemies  no 
longer  defy  us.  Some  of  you  will  be  retained  in  service 
till  further  orders. 

And  now  that  we  are  about  to  separate  to  mingle  with 
the  civil  world,  it  becomes  a  pleasing  duty  to  recall  to 
mind  the  situation  of  national  affairs,  when  but  little 


I  76       IIISTOKY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTBY    VOLS. 


than  a  year  ago,  wo  were  gathered  al>out  the  tow- 
ering cliffs  of  Ljokout  Mountain,  and  all  the  future  was 
wrapped  in  doubt  and  uncertainty.  Three  armies  had 
come  together  from  distant  fields  with  separate  histo- 
ries, yet  bound  by  one  common  cause,  the  Union  of  our 
country  and  the  perpetuation  of  the  Government  of  our 
inheritance. 

There  is  no  need  to  recall  to  your  memories,  Tunnel 
Hill,  witli  Rocky  Face  Mountain  and  ]>u//ard  Roost 
Gap,  with  the  ugly  forts  of  Dalton  behind.  We  were 
in  earnest  and  paused  i:ot  for  danger  and  difficulty,  but 
dashed  through  Snake  Creep  Gap  and  fell  on  Kesaea, 
then  on  to  Etowah,  to  Dallas,  Kenesaw,  and  the  heats  of 
summer  found  us  on  the  banks  of  the  Chattahoochie,  far 
from  home,  and  dependent  upon  a  single  road  for  sup- 
plies. Again  we  were  not  to  be  held  back  by  any  obsta- 
cle and  crossed  over  and  fought  four  hard  battles  for  the 
possession  of  the  citadel  of  Atlanta.  That  was  the 
crisis  of  our  history.  A  doubt  still  clouded  our  future, 
but  we  solved  the  problem  and  destroyed  Atlanta,  struck 
boldly  across  the  State  of  Georgia,  severed  all  the  main 
arteries  of  life  to  our  enemies,  and  Christmas  found  us 
at  Savannah.  Waiting  there  only  long  enough  to  fill 
our  wagons,  we  again  began  our  march,  which  for  peril, 
labor  and  results,  will  compare  with  any  ever  made  by 
an  organized  army.  The  floods  of  the  Savannah,  the 
swamps  of  the  Combahee  and  Edisto,  the  high  hills  and 
rocks  of  the  San  tee,  the  flat  quagmires  of  Pedee  and 
Cape  Fear  rivers,  were  all  passed  in  mid  winter  with  its 
floods,  and  rains,  in  the  face  of  an  accumulating  enemy, 
and  after  the  battles  of  Averysboro  and  Bcntonsville,  we 
once  more  came  out  of  the  wilderness  to  meet  our  friends 
at  Goldsboro.  Even  then  we  paused  only  long  enough 
to  get  new  clothing,  to  re-load  our  wagons,  and  again 
pushed  on  to  Raleigh,  and  beyond,  until  we  met  our 
enemy  suing  for  peace  instead  of  war,  and  offering  to 
submit  to  the  injured  laws  of  his  and  our  country.  As 
long  as  that  enemy  was  defiant,  no  mountains,  nor  rains, 
nor  swamps,  nor  hunger,  nor  cold  had  cheeked  us,  but 
when  he  who  had  fought  us  hard  and  persistently, 
offcn-d  submiss:,>n,  your  negotiations  followed,  which 
resulted  as  you  all  know,  in  his  surrender.  How  far  the 


OUT    OF    THE    SERVICE.  ]77 

operations  of  this  army  have  contributed  to  the  final 
overthrow  of  the  Confederacy,  and  the  peace  which  now 
dawns  on  us  must  be  judged  by  others,  not  by  us  ;  but 
that  you  have  done  all  that  men  could  do  has  been  ad- 
mitted by  those  in  authority,  and  we  have  a  right  to 
join  in  the  universal  joy  that  fills  our  land,  because  the 
war  is  over,  and  our  Government  stands  vindicated 
before  the  world,  by  the  joint  action  of  the  volunteer 
armies  of  the  United  States.  To  such  as  remain  in  the 
military  service,  your  General  need  only  remii.d  you 
that  success  in  the  past  was  due  to  hard  work  and  disci- 
pline, and  that  the  same  work  and  discipline  are  equally 
important  in  the  future,  to  such  as  go  home  he  will  only 
say  that  our  favored  country  is  so  grand,  so  extensive, 
so  diversified  in  climate,  soil  and  productions,  that 
every  man  may  find  a  home  and  occupation  suited  to  his 
taste,  and  none  should  yield  to  the  natural  impatience 
sure  to  re  ult  from  our  past  life  of  excitement  and  ad- 
venture. You  will  be  invited  to  seek  new  adventures 
abroad,  but  do  not  yield  to  the  temptation,  for  it  will 
lead  only  to  death  and  disappointment.  Your  General 
now  bids  you  all  farewell,  with  the  full  belief,  that  as  in 
war,  you  have  been  good  soldiers,  so  in  peace  you  will 
make  good  citizens,  and  if,  unfortunately,  a  new  war 
should  arise  in  our  country,  "  Sherman's  army  "  will  be 
the  first  to  buckle  on  its  old  armor,  and  come  forth  to 
defend  and  maintain  the  Government  of  our  inheritance 
and  choice, 

By  order  of  Maj.  Gen.  W.  T.  SHERMAN, 

[Signed.]        L.  M.  DAYTON,  Asst.  Adjt.  (Ten. 

Before  llu'  regiment  left  the  camp  at  Washington,  Col. 
Smith  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  Brevet  Brigadier 
General 

I'ntil  the  6th  of  June  the  officers  were  busily  at  work 
making  out  rolls,  etc.,  preliminary  to  the  discharge  of 
the  regiment.  On  that  day,  in  accordance  witli  General 
Order  Xo.  77,  War  Department,  and  Instructions  from 
the  Adjutant  General's  oifice,  we  ceased  in  reality  to  be 
soldiers  of  the  Union  army — and  became  as  the  men  ex- 
pressed it  brevet  citizens. 


178       HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL. .  INFANTRY    VOLS. 

Reveille  sounded  that  morning  at  two  o'clock,  and  0111 
cam])  at  once  became  the  scene  of  busy  preparations  for 
the  journey  home.  At  four  all  was  ready.  The  splen- 
did band  of  the  79th  O.  V.  I.,  had  assembled  at  regi- 
mental headquarters.  A  number  of  pieces  were  played 
in  the  best  style,  and  the  band  preceded  the  regiment  as 
it  moved  away.  Joytully,  yet  almost  sadly  we  marched 
away  from  the  brigade  encampment.  Long  years  01 
hardships  and  dangers  had  united  the  regiments  as  one 
family.  Amid  the  parting  adieus  and  good  wishes  of  all 
we  inarched  away  from  the  70th  Ind.,  and  by  the  camp.* 
of  the  "79th,"  "  129th"  and  "105th."  Halting  ; 
moment  at  Brigade  Headquarters,  we  gave  three  cheen 
for  "  Little  Ben,"  (Brevet  Brig.  Gen.  Ben  Harrison)  then 
looked  ior  the  last  time  at  the  lone-star-triangle,  the 
battle  flag  which  had  fluttered  before  us  from  Chat 
tanooga  to  Atlanta,  from  Atlanta  to  Savannah,  and  from 
Savannah  to  the  last  encampment.  Then  we  passed  or 
to  Gen.  Ward's  headquarters — gave  three  cheers  fo"  tlu 
old  General,  and  moved  forward.  After  reaching  the 
main  road  to  Washington,  the  band  filed  off  at  the  roadside 
and  continued  playing.  Fainter  the  music  grew  as  w( 
marched  away,  and  among  the  last  pieces  we  heard  wa: 
the  "  Star-spangled  Banner."  Long  live  the  memory  o 
the  "  79th."  The  102d  fully  appreciated  this  last  gen 
erous  compliment. 

At  nine  o'clock  A.  M.,  we  boarded  a  train  of  box  cars  a 
Washington.  It  was  an  immense  train — over  a  quart  ei 
of  a  mile  in  length,  and  blue  with  soldiers.  Slowly  we 
moved  away  through  the  green  fields  of  Maryland — home 
ward  bound  at  last. 

Lovely  Maryland  !  pity  that  thy  lauraled  hills,  tty 
green  fields,  thy  noble  forests  should  ever  have  beei 
associated  with  the  dark  history  of  treason. 

Late  in  the  afternoon  we  reached  Baltimore  and  a 
dusk  moved  away  westward,  on  the  Penn.  Central  road 
15y  daylight  next*  morning  we  reached  York,  and  during 
the  morning  followed  up  the  Susijiu-hanna — a  broad 
shallow  stream  with  a  rugged,  rocky  bottom,  and  hen 
and  there  pretty  little  islands.  At  Bridgeport,  looking 
across  the  ,i\vr  we  had  a  ^o<»d  view  of  ilarrisburg 


HOMEWARD    BOUNT).  170 

Some  distance  above  Harrisburg  we  left  the  Susque- 
hanna  and  followed  up  the  Juniata,  and  some  of  the 
soldiers  were  reminded  of  the  occasion  when  far  away  in 
Georgia,  the  "  Bine  Juniata  "  was  played  so  delightfully 
by  the  "  33d  Mass.  "  Band,  and  Gen.  Sherman  dc.sired 
tin-in  to  repeat  the  enchanting  strain. 

Upward — upward — crossing  and  recrossing  the  little 
stream,  we  approached  the  summit  of  the  Alleghany 
Mountains.  At  the  little  town  of  Johnstown  we  .were 
greeted  with  patriotic  demonstrations  of  the  most  enthu- 
siastic character.  All  over  the  town  at  almost  every 
door  and  window  white  handkerchiefs  fluttered  in  the 
breeze.  There  was  a  universal  rush  for  the  depot.  The 
children  were  evident  y  all  out,  and  they  exhausted  every 
method  of  exhibiting  their  enthusiasm.  The  love  of 
liberty  has  a  generous  growth  in  those  wild  and  free 
mountain  regions.  Passing  through  a  tunnel  beneath 
the  comb  of  the  Alleghany  range,  we  were  soon  whirling 
do\vn  the  western  slope,  and  a  short  time  after  midnight 
reached  Pittsburg.  That  noble  city  extended  us  a  most 
hospitable  welcome.  Even  at  that  hour  of  the  night,  the 
good  citizens  were  ready  to  work  for  the  soldiers.  We 
were  conducted  to  the  City  Hall,  and  there  partook  of 
an  excellent  breakfast.  A  band  discoursed  sweet  music 
while  the  soldiers  were  enjoying  the  meal.  When  the 
repast  was  finished  the  regiment  gave  three  hearty 
cheers  for  the  citizens  of  Pittsburg.  One  of  the  gentlemen 
who  assisted  in  caring  for  the  soldiers,  ^aid  in  response 
to  the  cheers :  "  I  wish  there  were  enough  of  us  to  give 
you  such  cheers,  for  you  are  the  men  who  deserve  the 
compliment."  Noble  and  generous  Pittsburg.  In  many 
Western  homes  the  memory  of  thy  disinterested  hospi- 
tality will  be  cherished  by  those  who,  being  tired  and 
hungry,  were  fed  and  sent  on  their  way  rejoicing. 

But  I  have  not  space  to  dwell  upon  the  incidents 
attending  our  homeward  ride.  During  the  8th,  we 
moved  through  the  fertile  fields  of  Ohio  ;  at  night,  passed 
into  Indiana,  and  reached  Chicago  in  our  own  Illinois, 
on  the  morning  of  the  9th. 

Chicago  was  in  the  midst  of  a  great  Sanitary  Fair, 
and  the  citizens  were  so  occupied  with  this  philanthropic 
enterprise,  that  they  did  not  know  of  our  coming.  No 


180        HISTORY    OF    THE    102D    ILL.    INFANTRY    VOLS. 

one  was  ready  to  receive  us.  We  left  the  cars  in  a  cold 
rain.  Finally  marched  into  an  amphitheatre  at  the  Sani- 
tary Fair  grounds,  and  after  waiting  t\vo  hours  and  a 
halt',  cold  and  hungry,  partook  of  an  indifferent  meal  at 
the  Soldier's  Rest.  "  And  this  is  in  Illinois,"  mused  the 
soldier — "  this — Chicago — not  P'Msburg  /"  But  Chicago 
was  'in  the  midst  of  a  GREAT  NATIONAL  SANITARY  FAIR  ! 
What  wonder  that  while  engaged  in  such  a  magnificent 
field  of  philanthropy  she  was  forgetful  of  the  wants  of 
one  little  Sucker  regiment. 

We  were  assigned  quarters  at  Camp  Fry.  There  we 
received  our  pay  and  final  discharge  on  the  14th  of  June, 
and  the  men  took  the  first  trains  for  their  respective 
homes.  Each  company  on  reaching  the  town  or  neigh- 
borhood, where  organized,  met  with  a  magnificent  wel- 
come, which  went  far  towards  removing  the  impression 
produced  by  the  cold  comfort  extended  us  by  the  chief 
city  of  our  State. 


With  the  disbanding  of  the  regiment  the  thread  of  our 
story  ends — yet  I  am  loth  to  quit  the  interesting  theme. 
There  is  a  charm  connected  with  active  military  service 
which  no  other  pursuit  can  give.  Emotions  are  awakened, 
which,  as  citizens,  we  can  never  feel  again.  We  almost 
long  to  experience  the  sensations  produced  during  the 
most  eventful  moments  of  the  great  campaigns ;  to  hear 
again  the  grand  roll  of  artillery,  to  observe  the  bursting 
shells,  and  to  shout  once  more  the  shout  of  victory. 

Since  the  dark  cloud  of  war  has  passed  by,  it  seems 
even  more  black  than  when  the  storm  was  at  its  height. 
But  the  sunshine  of  peace  is  upon  us  once  more. 

In  the  midst  of  the  sunshine  there  are  shadows.  Our 
minds  revert  to  the  Southern  battle-fields,  and  to  the 
many  thousand  graves  which  mark  the  route  followed  by 
the  great  army.  "Sleeping  for  the  Hag,"'  among  the 
pines  of  northern  (Jeorgia,  along  the  line  of  the  march 
to  the  sea,  and  in  the  far-oil'  C'arolmas,  our  hero-comrades 
rest — but  not  unremembered.  The  "Old  Flag,"  conse- 
crated afresh  by  their  Mood,  floats  unopposed  in  every 
State  where  its  defenders  are  buried. 


SUPPLEMENTARY.  181 

SUPPLEMENTARY. 

Col.  Smithes  Report  of  the  Atlanta  Campaign. 

HEAD  QUARTERS  102D  REG'T  ILL,  VOLS. 
ATLANTA  GEORGIA,  SEPT.  20TH,  1864. 

COLONEL  D.  DUSTIN, 

COMMANDING  BD  DIVM  20TH  A,  C,, 

Sir:  I1' have  the  honor  to  report  that  on  the  morning  of  the  2d 
day  of  May  last,  in  obedience  to  orders  received  May  1st,  I  broke 
camp  at  Wauhatchie,  and  moved  with  the  brigade,  South  from  Chat- 
tanooga, passed  through  Rossville,  and  camped  for  the  night  near 
Gordon's  Mills,  Georgiai 

On  the  morning  of  the  4th  of  May  niy  regiment  (or  six  companies 
of  it,)  was  detached  to  guard  the  Division  Supply  and  Ordnance 
Train,  under  my  own  command, 

At  6.30  A.  M.,  we  moved  in  the  direction  of  Ringgold.  Three  com- 
panies of  my  detachment  were  deployed  as  flankers  on  the  South 
side  of,  and  at  a  distance  of  a  hundred  yards  from  the  road. 

That  evening  I  camped  at  Pleasant  Grove  Church,  one  and  a  half 
miles  from  Ringgold. 

On  the  moroing  of  May  6th,  at  6  oclock  A.  M.,  I  moved,  with  the 
brigade,  and  encamped  for  the  night  at  Leed's  Farm. 

At  2  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  7th,  I  received  marching 
orders  and  moved  with  the  brigade,  crossing  Taylor's  Ridge,  at 
Gordon's  Gap,  at  11  oclock  A.  M.,— our  advance  surprising  the  out- 
posts of  the  enemy,  on  the  Ridge,  and  again  near  Gordon's  Springs, 
— encamping  that  night  near  Villanoxv. 

We  remained  at  this  point  until  the  morning  of  the  llth  of  May, 
when  at  six  o'clock  we  moved  south  and  into  Snake  Creek  Gap.  At 
12  o'clock  we  went  into  camp,  and  were  soon  actively  engaged  with 
the  brigade  in  clearing,  repairing  and  widening  the  road  through  the 
"Gap". 

Remained  at  this  work  until  12  o'clock,  on  the   12th,  when  we 
moved  south  to  the  opening    of    the    Gap,    where    we   encamped 
for  the  night. 
10 


1 82  SUPPLEMENTARY. 

On  the  13th,  moved  with  the  brigade  towards  Resaca,  about  three 
miles,  where  my  command  was  formed  in  line  of  battle  on  the  left 
of  the  70th  Ind., — which  regiment  was  on  the  immediate  left  of  the 
15th  Army  Corps — and  skirmishers  were  thrown  out,  who  advanced 
with  the  skirmishers  of  the  loth  Corps,  under  a  scattering  fire  of 
shells  and  musketry.  Xo  casualties  occurred  on  this  day.  After 
dark,  on  the  13th,  my  command  took  position  near  the  centre  of  the 
line,  in  front  of  the  enemy's  works — relieving  a  part  of  the  14th 
Corps.  The  position  of  my  line  was  on  the  crest  of  a  ridge,  skirting 
a  flat,  cleared  field  of  bottom  land,  some  eight  hundred  yards  in 
width,  through  which  ran  a  small  muddy  creek,  parallel  with 
my  line,  and  about  two  hundred  yards  from  it.  The  bluff  opposite 
was  occupied  by  the  enemy,  whose  rifle-pits  and  entrenchments  were 
plainly  in  view. 

Brisk  skirmishing  commenced  at  daybreak  on  the  14th,  (my  skir- 
mishers holding  a  fence  at  the  foot  of  the  ridge,)  which  continued 
until  about  10  oclock,  A.  M.,  when  an  order  was  received  to  cease 
firing. 

At  about  11  oclock  A.  M.,  an  order  was  received  to  advance  the 
skirmish  line  as  far  as  possible,  with  the  view  of  creating  a  diver- 
sion. I  therefore  reinforced  the  skirmish  line,  with  a  view  of  hold- 
ing the  former  line,  and  advanced  the  front  line  to  or  near  the 
creek  above  mentioned  ;  which  line  was  held  during  the  day. 

At  about  three  o'clock  p.  M.,  my  line  of  battle  was  advanced  about 
forty  yards,  over  the  crest  of  the  ridge,  in  accordance  with  orders, 
— which  position  was  mantained  until  dark,  when  the  command  was 
withdrawn  to  its  original  position. 

My  skirmish  line  was  also  relieved  after  dark,  by  detachments  of 
the  105th  and  129th  Ill's  regiments.. 

During  the  night,  rifle-pits  were  constructed  on  the  crest  of  the 
hill  fronting  my  command. 

The  casualties  of  this  day  were  three  men  killed  and  nineteen 
wounded,  of  which  number,  one  was  killed  and  three  were  wounded 
in  advancing  the  line  of  battle.  The  other  casualties  occurred  on 
the  skirmish  line,  mostly  during  the  advance  across  the  open  field, 
at  which  time  a  murderous  fire  was  opened  by  rebel  sharpshooters, 
on  the  front  and  flanks. 

I  have  evidence  that  the  ont-my  suffered  severely  from  the  fire 
of  my  ;-kirim>lier.« — especially  from  the  fire  of  the  Spencer  Rifles. 

On  the  morning  of  the  15th  my  command  was  relieved  by  a  por- 
tion of  the  14th  Corps,  and  marched  to  the  left  of  the  line  of 


SUPPLEMENTARY.  183 

operations,  where  it  was  drawn  up  for  an  assault  upon  a  formidable 
rebel  position — consisting  of  a  battery  of  four  guns,  supported  by  a 
line  of  breastworks,  in  the  rear.  My  line  was  formed  in  rear  of  the 
70th  Ind.,  which  led  the  assault.  The  position  of  the  brigade  was 
on  the  northern  slope  of  a  hill  opposite  the  enemy's  fortifications. 

The  charge  was  ordered  at  1 1  o'clock  A.  M.,  and  my  command 
advanced  down  the  southern  slope  of  the  hill  upon  which  it  had 
formed,  thence  across  the  Dalton  and  Rome  'road,  through  an  open 
field  under  a  most  terrible  fire,  until  it  reached  the  enemy's  batterj 
and  planted  its  colors  upon  the  rebel  works.  Part  of  my  command 
— members  of  Companies  I  and  E — captured  five  prisoners,  including 
the  captain  of  the  battery.  A  portion  of  my  command  also  ad- 
vanced to  the  second  line  of  works,  but  owing  to  some  misunder- 
standing, failed  to  carry  it. 

The  battery  was  held  during  the  remainder  of  the  day,  although 
several  attempts  were  made  to  recapture  it.  The  casualties  of  this 
day  were  eighteen  men  killed,  seventy-six  wounded  and  one  missing. 
Six  of  the  wounded  have  since  died.  My  color  bearer  was  twice 
shot  down,  and  my  regimental  banner  received  fifty  shots  in  the 
folds  and  two  in  the  staff.  This  was  the  first  flag  planted  upon  the 
fort. 

The  line  officers  of  my  regiment  behaved  with  conspicuous  gal- 
lantry, with  scarcely  an  exception, — all  advancing  to  the  front  with 
promptness,  and  sharing  in  the  capture  of  the  battery ;  the  majority 
remaining  at  the  fort  until  dark,  when  they  were  relieved  by  a  regi- 
ment of  Gen.  Geary's  command. 

The  greater  part  of  the  16th  was  spent  in  burying  the  dead. 

On  the  morning  of  the  19th  my  command  was  advanced  in  line  of 
battle  on  the  Adairsville  road  to  near  Cassville,  my  skirmishers  be- 
ing thrown  out  in  a  semicircle  around  the  front  and  left  of  the  left 
flank  of  the  Brigade. 

The  regiment  was  at  this  time  exposed  to  a  fire  of  shells  from  the 
Battery  of  the  enemy,  and  lost  one  man  killed. 

The  balance  of  the  day  was  spent  in  maneuvering,  in  which  no 
casualties  occurred. 

The  total  loss  of  my  command  during  the  seven  days,  was  twenty- 
two  killed,  ninety-six  wounded,  and  one  missing. 

On  May  20th,  encamped  with  the  Brigade,  near  Cassville,  Georgia, 
and  remained  there  until  the  morning  of  the  23d  of  May,  when  with 
the  army  I  moved  forward  and  crossed  the  Etowah  River,  encamping 
at  night  about  one  mile  from  the  crossing. 


1 84  SUPPLEMENTARY. 

Slight  skirmishing  between  our  cavalry  and  the  enemy  in  front, 
continued  from  four  o'clock  P.  M.,  until  nearly  dark. 

On  the  morning  of  the  24th,  at  sunrise,  the  march  was  resumed 
in  the  direction  of  Dallas,  and  continued  without  obstruction  until 
the  afternoon  of  May  25th,  when  the  2d  Division  of  the  20th  A.  0., 
encountered  the  enemy  near  Burnt  Hickory, 

At  4  o'clock  P.  M.,  the  Brigade  moved  in  the  direction  of  the 
enemy  in  line  of  battallion  in  mass,  until  it  came  under  the  enemy's 
fire,  when,  by  order  of  Brig.  Gen'l  Ward,  we  were  deployed  in  line 
of  battle. 

Soon  thereafter,  my  regiment,  with  the  70tb  Ind.,  was  ordered  to 
halt  and  hold  itself  in  readiness  to  act  as  a  reserve  for  the  Brigade. 

In  obedience  to  said  orders  I  moved  my  regiment  a  short  distance 
by  the  right  flank,  occupying  a  good  position  under  the  crest  of  the 
hill  fronting  the  enemy.  Here  I  remained,  awaiting  orders,  until 
dark,  when  I  was  ordered  by  Maj.  Gen'l  Butterfield,  Commanding  the 
8d  Division,  to  move  forward  with  my  regiment  and  make  a  vigo- 
rous attack  upon  the  enemy's  right  wing. 

I  immediately  commenced  a  forward  movement,  but  was  soon 
directed  by  a  member  of  the  General's  staff  to  h^lt  until  the  70  Ind., 
Vols.,  under  Col.  Harrison,  approached,  as  he  was  also  ordered  for- 
ward. 

As  Col.  Harrison's  command  came  up  I  again  moved  in  the  direc- 
tion of  the  enemy,  passing  over  four  lines  of  our  troops  lying  upon 
the  ground,  until  I  arrived  at  a  line  of  skirmishers  sent  forward 
from  the  2d  Brigade,  (Col.  Coburn's)  where  I  halted,  preparatory  to 
making  the  attack. 

At  this  point  I  found  that  I  was  separated  from  the  70th  Ind.,  and 
here  I  was  informed  by  Col.  Coburn  that  the  enemy  was  very  strong 
(six  lines  deep)  in  my  immediate  front,  and  not  more  than  two  hun- 
dred yards  distant. 

At  this  juncture  a  member  of  Gen'l  Butterfields  staff  appeared, 
who,  upon  being  informed  of  the  situation  of  affairs,  directed  me  to 
remain  in  that  position,  and,  if  possible,  (through  the  darkness  of 
night)  find  Col.  Harrison. 

I  immediately  sent  my  Adjutant  to  the  rear  for  that  purpose,  and 
he  found  him  about  two  hundred  yards  in  that  direction. 

He,  having  been  put  temporarily  in  command  of  the  Brigade,  sent 
me  an  order  to  return  and  join  the  Brigade,  which  I  did,  getting  into 
position  about  10  o'clock  p.  M.  At  two  o'clock  on  the  following 
morning  I  was  ordered  to  move  my  regiment  to  tho  right  half  a  mile 


SUPPLEMENTARY.  185 

and  relieve  the  5th  Conn.  I  arrived  at  that  point  at  three  o'clock, 
and  found  the  ground  occupied  by  them  on  the  right  of  the  2d 
Division,  (Gen'l  Geary)  and  extending  to  the  left  of  the  2d  Brigade, 
Col.  Coburn.  The  5th  Conn,  had  not  constructed  works  of  any 
kind,  I  therefore  immediately  commenced  to  build  breastworks,  ad- 
vancing my  lines  a  little  and  occupying  a  semicircular  ridge,  con- 
vexing  toward  the  enemy. 

At  daybreak  the  enemy's  sharpshooters  opened  a  most  galling  tire 
upon  my  working  parties,  compelling  me  to  stop  work  upon  the  for- 
tifications. I  deployed  one  company  of  Spencer  Rifles,  under  the 
command  of  Captain  Sedwick,  Co.,  E.,  and  ordered  him  to  drive  the 
sharpshooters  from  my  front,  which  he  performed  handsomely,  and 
at  8  A.  M.  he  had  driven  them  behind  their  works.  At  two  o'clock 
it  was  reported  to  me  that  the  enemy  was  bringing  forward  two 
pieces  of  artillery  directly  in  my  front. 

I  immediately  reinforced  my  skirmish  line  with  eight  picked 
sharpshooters,  who  hastened  forward  to  such  positions  as  to  cover 
the  guns  sought  to  be  put  into  position,  soon  compelling  them  to 
abandon  their  guns  and  retire  beyond  musket  range. 

At  5  o'clock  P.  M.,  I  was  directed,  by  Gen'l  Hooker,  to  take  such 
measures  as  would  prevent  the  enemy  from  putting  the  guns  in 
position,  or  from  removing  them. 

In  obedience  thereto  I  sent  forward,  at  dark,  twenty  sharp- 
shooters, with  Spencer  Rifles,  to  a  rise  of  ground  about  seventy-five 
yards  in  front  of  the  guns,  and  fifty  yards  in  front  of  the  enemy's 
breastworks,  with  instructions  to  keep  a  vigilant  lookout  during  the 
night,  and  at  all  hazards  to  prevent  their  removal. 

At  11  o'clock  at  night,  some  fifty  of  the  enemy  collected  about  the 
guns  for  the  purpose  of  quietly  removing  them  beyond  range  of  our 
guns,  when  my  sharpshooters  opened  on  them  with  a  rapidity  of  fire 
only  to  be  obtained  by  the  Spencer  Rifles,  scattering  them  like 
chaff  before  the  wind,  and  leaving  the  guns  in  a  position  where 
neither  party  could  obtain  them,  in  which  position  we  held  them 
until  3  o'clock  P.  M.,  of  the  27th,  when  we  were  relieved  by  a  regi- 
ment of  the  2d  Division,  and  we  rejoined  the  brigade  on  the  right 
of  the  Corps,  and  were  allowed  to  rest  until  dark,  when  we  were 
ordered  into  the  front  lines  and  remained  there  until  the  28th  at  9 
o'clock  A.  M.,  when  the  brigade  was  relieved  and  retired  to  the  rear 
for  rest. 

Our  loss  during  the  four  days  operations  amounted  to  four  killed 
and  fourteen  wounded. 


186  SUPPLEMENTARY. 

On  the  night  of  the  29th  ray  regiment  was  ordered  to  move  to  the 
right  half  a  mile  for  the  purpose  of  closing  a  gap  between  the  20th 
and  15th  Corps,  where  it  remained  until  the  31st  of  May,  when  we 
were  relieved  by  the  129th  Ills.,  (Col.  Case.) 

On  the  1st  day  of  June  I  moved,  with  the  Brigade,  to  the  left, 
and  nothing  of  particular  interest  occurred  until  the  15th,  when,  at 
12  o'clock  M.,  we  received  orders  to  strike  tents,  and  moved  at  12£ 
o'clock  P.  M.,  with  the  Corps  still  farther  to  the  left  in  the  direction 
of  Big  Shanty.  At  2  p.  M.  the  Brigade  was  halted  and  I  was  ordered 
to  deploy  my  regiment  as  skirmishers,  wliir'u  order  I  immediately 
executed,  holding  four  Go's  in  reserve,  and  advanced  across  an  open 
field  for  twelve  hundred  yards,  joining  Gen'l  Knipe's  Brigade  of  the 
1st  Division,  on  the  left,  and  the  2d  Brigade  of  the  3d  Division  on 
the  right. 

After  advancing  about  one  thousand  yards,  and  when  within  two 
hundred  yards  of  a  piece  of  woods,  I  received  the  fire  of  the  enemy's 
sharpshooters,  who  appeared  to  be  armed  with  a  variety  of  arms, 
principally  squirrel  rifles. 

Still  advancing,  I  drove  the  enemy's  skirmishers  and  gained  a 
position  one  hundred  yards  in  the  woods,  where  I  ordered  a  halt 
and  awaited  orders. 

Here  I  was  informed  by  Capt.  Oliver,  A,  D.  C.  to  Gen'l  Butterfield, 
that  the  105th  Ills.,  had  been  sent  forward  to  my  support  and  was 
then  in  close  proximity  in  my  rear. 

I  was  ordered  by  Gen'l  Butterfield  to  advance  and  feel  of  the 
enemy,  ascertain  his  position  and  the  strength  of  his  works. 

Slowly,  but  steadily,  my  men  advanced  under  a  brisk  fire  of  the 
enemy's  skirmishers  until  I  found  myself  within  one  hundred  yards 
of  their  rifle  pits,  which,  from  their  construction,  were  supposed  to 
be  a  continuous  line  of  breastworks. 

Yet  undaunted,  my  men  continued  to  advance  through  the  thick 
underbrush  until  we  were  within  fifty  yards  of  the  enemy's  works, 
which  were  then  discovered  to  be  rifle  pits  for  skirmishers. 

This  information  ascertained,  and  learning,  also,  that  the  105th 
Ills,  was  ordered  to  the  right,  leaving  me  no  support,  I  ceased  to 
advance  and  ordered  my  men  to  cease  firing  and  keep  under  cover, 
and  thus  remained  until  5  o'clock  p.  M. 

At  this  time  the  firing  was  resumed,  and  heavy  skirmishing  in  my 
front  caused  me  to  fear  lest  my  weak  skirmish  line  would  be  over- 
whelmed. 


SUPPLEMENTARY.  187 

I  immediately  communicated  my  fears  to  Gen'l  Butterfield,  not 
knowing  where  to  find  Gen'l  Ward,  Brigade  Commander,  as  I  had 
received  no  orders  from  him  after  commencing  the  advance. 

Gen'l  Butterfield  ordered  the  105th  Ills,  to  move  by  the  left  flank 
and  take  position  on  the  left  of  my  reserve.  This  movement  was 
discovered  by  the  enemy,  who  undoubtedly  supposed  it  to  be  a  pre- 
paration for  an  advance,  as  they  retired  from  their  riflle  pits  which 
were  immediately  taken  possession  of  by  our  men,  and  held  by  them 
until  the  brigade  arrived,  (midnight)  when  we  commenced  the  con- 
struction of  works,  and  at  daylight,  had  a  strong  line  of  defense  in 
our  front. 

About  1  o'clock  on  the  16th  of  June  I  received  a  slight  wound  in 
the  fleshy  part  of  the  thigh,  while  reconnoitering  the  enemy's  posi- 
tion, at  Gen'l  Butterfield's  request,  which  unfitted  me  for  active  duty 
in  the  field  until  the  10th  of  August,  when  I  again  reported  for  duty. 

My  loss  during  the  two  days  operations  was  thirteen  wounded, 
including  Capt.  I.  McManus  (of  Co.  G.)  and  myself. 

I  beg  leave  to  state  that  of  the  operations  of  my  regiment  during 
my  absence,  I  can  only  speak  from  the  report  of  my  Lieut.  Col.,  who 
was  in  command  during  that  period. 

On  the  20th  of  June,  Co.  B.  of  my  regiment,  was  deployed  as  skir- 
mishers in  front  of  the  136th  New  York  Vols.,  of  the  3d  Brigade, 
losing  on  that  day  one  killed  and  one  wounded.  On  the  22d  of 
June  the  Brigade  was  ordered  forward  in  support  of  the  3d  Brigade. 
Casualties  of  the  day,  three  wounded. 

On  the  morning  of  July  3d  my  regiment,  having  the  advance,  was 
deployed  in  line  of  battle  with  two  companies  deployed  as  skirmish- 
ers under  Capt.  D.  W.  Sedwick,  and  moved  forward  in  the  direction 
of  Marietta,  encountering  in  our  advance  the  rear  guard  of  the 
enemy,  or  a  portion  of  it,  consisting  of  a  thousand  cavalry,  with 
which  a  brisk  skirmish  was  kept  up  by  my  skirmishers,  driving  the 
cavalry  through  the  town  of  Marietta,  when  we  were  halted  during  an 
engagement  between  Captain  Geary's  battery  arid  a  battery  of  the 
rebels,  after  which  we  were  moved  forward — passing  to  the  right  of 
town. 

Nothing  of  further  importance  [occurred  until  the  afternoon  of 
the  20th  of  July,  when  we  were  deployed  in  line  of  battle ;  my  reg- 
iment holding  the  right  of  the  Brigade  and  also  of  the  Division, 
under  the  cover  of  a  hill  south  of  Peach  Tree  Creek.  At  3.45  p.  M., 
we  were  ordered  forward  by  Col.  Harrison,  commanding  1st  Brigade, 
to  take  a  position  on  the  crest' of  a  hill  in  our  front. 


188  SUPPLEMENT  ABY. 

The  enemy  was  discovered  advancing  in  heavy  column,  in  a  direct 
line  toward  the  left  of  the  Brigade,  and  moved  directly  in  front  of 
the  79th  0.  V.  L,  and  129th  Ills.,  and  7fcth  Ind.,  the  latter  occupy- 
ing, on  this  occasion,  the  left  of  the  brigade,  the  105th  Ills,  moving 
forward  in  the  rear,  as  a  support,  or  reserve  line — the  shock  falling 
heaviest  on  the  79th  0.  V.  L,  and  the  129th  Ills. 

There  being  no  enemy  in  our  immediate  front,  we  changed  our 
position  by  wheeling  slightly  to  the  left,  and  opened  upon  the  ad- 
vancing rebel  colamn  an  enfilading  fire,  pouring  volley  after  volley 
in  quick  succession — such  as  the  Spencer  Rifle  only  can  give — autil 
we  had  the  proud  satisfaction  of  seeing  the  enemy  vanquished,  and 
seeking  safety  in  flight. 

From  the  favorable  position  of  my  regiment,  during  this  san- 
guinary engagement  we  dealt  upon  our  enemies  severe  punishment, 
with  trifling  loss  to  ourselves,  losing  two  killed,  and  eleven  wounded. 
Nothing  of  importance  occurred  from  that  time  up  to  the  13th  of 
August,  when  the  lines  were  advanced  a  few  rods,  without  any  mo- 
lestation. 

Until  the  25th  of  August  the  regiment  lay  in  the  advanced  works, 
the  brigade  lying  on  the  right  of  the  Atlantic  &  Western  R.  R.,  the 
regiment  in  its  usual  place,  second  from  the  right. 

About  the  17th,  a  truce  between  the  pickets  was  agreed  to,  and 
during  the  remainder  of  our  stay  there,  all  was  quiet.  But  one 
casualty  occurred,  and  that  was  the  result  of  imprudence. 

A  member  of  Co.  K  ventured  out  too  far  from  the  rifle  pits,  and 
received  a  severe  flesh  wound  in  the  face  ;  this  was  speedily  aveng- 
ed, and  all  was  again  quiet. 

On  the  25th  of  August,  at  8  o'clock,  in  common  with  the  remain- 
der of  the  Corps,  the  regiment  evacuated  its  works,  and  during  that 
night  moved  back  to  the  Chattahoochie  River  bridge,  a  distance  of 
six  miles,  where  the  brigade  was  held  in  reserve  while  the  1st 
Division  posted  itself  securely  on  the  eminences  surrounding  the 
b  ridge.  % 

On  the  27th  the  regiment  moved  across  the  river  and  was  posted 
in  the  rear  of  the  extensive  depots  and  corrals  there,  on  the  left  of 
the  70th  Ind.,  the  companies  distributed  in  the  following  order,  Go's 
B,  E,  H,  G  in  stockades  (built  by  the  rebels  on  their  old  line  of 
works)  about  two  hundred  yards  apart,  Go's  A,  F,  D,  I  and  C  occupy- 
ing a  line  of  breastworks  on  the  summit  of  a  commanding  hill  to  the 
right  of  the  R.  R.,  and  Co.  K  in  a  stockade  two  hundred  yards  to  the 
I  eft  of  Co.  C,  and  on  the  extreme  left  close  along  the  R.  R. 


SUPPLEMENTARY.  189 

The  regiment  remained  in  this  position,  doing  very  heavy  picket 
and  fatigue  duty,  until  Sept.  16th,  when  it  moved  to  Atlanta;  there* 
with  the  brigade  (except  the  105th  Ills,)  it  went  into  camp  one  mile 
southeast  of  the  Court  House,  where  it  a,t  present  is,  preparing  a 
comfortable  camp. 

I  cannot  close  this  report  of  operations  of  my  command  during 
the  campaign,  unparalleled  for  its  duration  and  severity  of  labor, 
without  expressing  my  profound  satisfaction  with  the  gallant  conduct 
of  the  officers  and  men,  who,  actuated  by  the  highest  motives  of 
patriotism,  have  borne  its  fatigues  and  exposures,  performing  long 
and  rapid  marches  and  laboring  upon  fortifications  under  the  blister-: 
ing  rays  of  the  sun,  as  well  as  during  the  pelting  storm,  night  as 
well  as  day,  often  upon  short  rations,  without  a  murmur;  always, 
facing  the  enemy,  never  yielding  an  inch  of  ground,  and  at  all  times 
unshrinkingly  facing  the  hazards  and  dangers  of  war. 

Respectfully, 

F.  C.  SMITH, 

Col.  102  m.  Vote* 

A  LEAF  FROM  OUR  REGIMENTAL  RECORD. 

Vindication   of   I^ieut.   A.aron   Gr,   Henry, 

Bf   LIEUT.    COL.    ISA^C    McMANUS. 

(EXTRACT  .) 

The  nature  of  our  duties  at  Lavergne,  Tenn.,  rendered  it  neces- 
sary to  mount  the  command  and  arm  them  with  more  efficient 
weapons. 

This  involved  a  new  kind  of  duty,  viz :  the  PRESSING  of  horses  and 
mules,  and  the  training  of  the  men  to  some  extent  in  cavalry  drill. 
To  procure  the  necessary  amonnt '  of  stock  was  a  work  of  great 
labor.  Raids  for  this  purpose  were  made  in  all  directions,  far  and 
near,  with  greater  or  less  success. 

It  was  during  one  of  these  raids  that  an  incident  occurred,  long  to 
be  remembered  by  those  connected  with  it.  I  refer  to  the  burning 
of  the  house  of  one  Thomas  Greenfield,  and  the  seizure  of  the 
property  of  one  James  Greenfield  ;  both  claiming  to  be  loyal  citizens 
of  the  United  States,  and  having  protection  papers  from  Maj.  Gen. 
Rousseau — then  commanding  the  Military  District  of  Nashville. 

The  troops  engaged  in  this  expedition  were  :  Co.  G — -commanded 
by  myself  and  Lieut.  A.  G.  Henry — and  Co.  C,  commanded  by  Capt. 
Shaw  and  Lieut.  Jordan ;  the  entire  detachment  being  subject  to 
my  orders,  as  I  was  the  ranking  officer.  The  instructions  given  me 


1  90  SUPI'L  K  M  K  N  TARY. 

by  Col.  Smith  were,  in  substance  as  follows:  "Take  stock  from  dis- 
loyal persons  only,  (except  where  loyal  persons  wish  to  dispose  of 
such  property  to  the  government,)  and  for  this  purpose  the  following 
classes  of  persons  shall  be  deemed  disloyal :  1st.  All  persons 
residing  within  our  lines  who  have  not  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance, 
in  accordance  with  existing  orders.  2.  All  such  persons  as,  having 
taken  the  oath,  continue  to  harbor  guerrillas,  and  furnish  material 
aid  and  assistance  to  the  rebellion."  It  was  astonishing  what  a 
number  of  persons  came  within  the  limits  of  this  order;  especially 
along  the  valley  of  Duck  River,  in  Murray  county;  where  the  trea- 
sonable propensities  of  the  people  had  been  encouraged  by  a 
Copperhead  Colonel — then  in  command  at  Columbia.  Such  an 
inviting  field  of  operations  was  not  to  be  overlooked,  and  with  as 
little  delay  as  possible,  I  moved  in  that  direction — determined  to 
"clean  out"  the  scoundrels,  and  deprive  them  at  least  of  the  MEANS 
of  rendering  material  aid  to  the  rebellion. 

Hearing  of  a  family  of  Greenfields,  who  were  engaged  in  the 
patriotic  (?)  business  of  harboring  guerrillas,  it  was  thought  advisa- 
ble to  give  them  a  call.  The  result  proved  the  information  correct, 
— three  guerrillas  were  captured  at  the  house  of  James  Greenfield. 
Finding  himself  caught,  and  fearing  the  consequences,  honest  (?)  Jim 
fell  back  on  his  loyalty — an  old  trick  among  rebels — and  rushing  up 
to  Lieut.  Henry  thrust  a  protection  paper  in  his  face,  demanding 
protection  for  himself  and  property.  This  was  too  much  for  that 
patriotic  young  man,  whose  soul  burned  with  indignation  at  such 

duplicity.     Looking  the  rebel  full  in  the  face,  he  said:    "D n 

you  and  your  protection  papers — you  ought  to  be  hung  with  them." 
This  sentiment  was  heartily  concurred  in  by  every  officer  and  man 
who  understood  the  circumstances  which  called  it  forth.  And 
although  the  ^expression  made  by  Lieut.  Henry  was  afterwards 
tortured  into  an  insult  to  his  highness,  Gen.  Rousseau,  and  was  used 
to  his  damage  by  a  court  martial,  composed  of  men  who  were 
EXCEEDINGLY  anxious  to  do  their  duty,  every  loyal,  patriotic  heart 
will  exonerate  him  from  all  blame,  and  approve  the  sentiment  that 
would  hang  a  traitor  and  make  a  shroud  of  protection  papers  that 
had  been  wrung  by  dissimulation  and  treachery  from  a  weak-headed 
General.  A  few  moments  later  I  rode  up,  and  Mr.  Greenfield,  not 
to  be  diverted  from  his  purpose,  renewed  his  demand  for  protection, 
at  the  same  time  exhibiting  his  protection  papers.  Without  reply- 
ing in  words  to  his  request,  I  ordered  Serg't  Reynolds  to  take  Mr. 
Greenfield  and  place  him  under  guard  with  the  rest  of  the  prisoners* 


SUPPLEMENTARY.  191 

and  then  proceeded  to  seize  his  property  for  the  use  of  the  govern- 
ment ;  thus  treating  his  protection  papers  with  contempt,  in  actions 
if  not  in  words,  as  the  circumstances  of  the  case  evidently  justified. 
It  will  appear  from  this  that  I  fully  endorsed  all  that  Lieut.  Henry 
had  done,  and  went  infinitely  further  in  disregarding  the  farcical  pro- 
tection of  rebels  and  rebel  property — laying  a  heavy  hand  on  both. 

Passing  thence  to  the  plantation  of  Thomas  Greenfield,  who  had 
been  j  harboring  a  gang  of  seven  or  eight  guerrillas,  for  several 
months,  as  we  were  told,  we  found,  concealed  about  his  house, 
carbines,  revolvers,  fixed  ammunition,  government  saddles  and  blan- 
kets, and  such  stores  as  thieving  guerrillas  had  either  captured  or 
stolen  from  our  men.  This  so  aroused  the  indignation  of  the  men, 
that  when  the  column  marched  away,  a  few  of  them  who  remained 
behind  applied  a  torch  to  the  building,  and  the  vile  den  was  soon  in 
ashes.  This  act,  though  unauthorized,  was  not  to  be  wondered  at 
when  we  consider  the  provocation.  And  now,  after  all  is  past,  and 
the  truth  of  history  must  be  vindicated,  it  will  seem  strange  that 
Lieut.  Henry  is  almost  the  only  sufferer.  But  although  he  has  been 
shamefully  abused,  his  record  is  that  of  a  gentleman  and  a  soldier^ 
and  as  such,  he' will  ever  be  esteemed  by  the  officers  and  soldiers 
whom  he  served. 


CONCLUDING  NOTES. 

Owing  to  the  limited  space  remaining  unoccupied,  several  impor- 
tant items  connected  with  the  history  of  the  regiment  are  unavoid- 
ably omitted.  Statements  of  prisoners — including  sketches  by  A  bner 
T.  Morford  of  Co.  E,  and  Corporal  George  S.  Trego  of  Co.  C — giving 
an  account  of  their  experience  in  rebel  prisons — are  crowded  out. 

It  will  interest  the  members  of  the  regiment  to  know  that  the 
rank  of  BKEVET  MAJOR  has  recently  been  conferred  upon  two  of  our 
most  worthy  officers,  viz:  Capt.  Dan  W.  Sedwick  and  Capt.  Ed.  H. 
Conger.  The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  order  promoting  Capt.  Sed- 
wick: 

WAR   DEPARTMENT, 
WASHINGTON-,  D.  C.,  June  19th,  1865. 
SIR: 

You  are  hereby  informed  that  the  President  of  the  United 
States  has  appointed  you,  for  gallant  and  meritorious  conduct  during 
the  war,  a  MAJOR  of  VOLUXTKKKS  by  BREVET,  in  the  service  of  the 
United  States,  to  rank  as  such  from  the  13th  day  of  March  1865. 
Should  the  Senate  at  their  next  session  advise  and  consent  thereto, 
you  will  be  commissioned  accordingly. 

EDWIN  M.  STANTON, 
BREVET  MAJOR  DAN  W.  SEDWICK,  U.  S.  VOL.  Sec'v  of  War. 


192  SUPPLEMENTARY. 

A  similar  order  was  received  by  BREVET  MAJOR  E.  II.  Conger.  By 
faithful  services  both  of  these  officers  had  earned  the  honor  conferred 
upon  them.  The  fact  that  others,  equally  worthy,  failed  to  secure  a 
like  recognition  of  their  merits,  should  cause  no  feeling  of  dissatis- 
faction. Titles  are  not  objectionable,  but  better  than  all  titles  is  the 
Consciousness  of  duty  well  performed. 

In  preceding  pages  the  proper  meed  of  praise  has  been  in  one  or 
two  instances  inadvertantly  withheld  from  officers  who  deserved 
special  mention.  An  instance  is  recalled  at  this  moment.  Lieut. 
R.  S.  Peebles  of  Co.  F,  who  was  one  of  the  first  in  the  enemy's  fort 
at  Resaca,  and  who  stood  upon  the  earthworks  in  the  midst  of  a 
shower  of  bullets,  urging  the  men  to  hold  their  ground,  is  not  men- 
tioned in  the  account  of  the  battle.  The  "inevitable  Bob"  was  of 
course  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight. 

Another  name  comes  up  in  my  mind,  as  I  recall  the  bloody  scenes 
of  Resaca.  That  of  1st  Serg't  John  Morrison,  of  Co.  A,  who  was 
mortally  wounded  there.  Serg't  Morrison  was  entitled  to  a  Coin- 
mission  as  Lieutenant,  long  previous  to  that  time.  But  his  merits 
were  not  recognized,  and  another  got  the  place  which  he  bad  earned 
by  his  fidelity  and  courage. 

In  the  sketches  of  the  great  raids,  special  credit  should  have  been 
awarded  Lieut.  A.  H.  Trego  of  Co.,  C,  for  the  able  manner  in  which 
he  discharged  the  responsible  duties  of  Assistant  Adjutant  General ; 
which  position  he  filled  from  the  time  the  Brigade  left  Atlanta  until 
it  was  disbanded  at  Washington. 

Other  equally  important  omissions  have  occurred.  Many  of  the 
enlisted  men — the  private  soldiers  who  did  the  real  hard  work  of 
the  war — won  laurels  which  entitle  them  to  enduring  fame,  but  where 
so  many  were  heroes  it  is  impossible  to  make  special  mention  of  all. 


APPEKDIX. 

FIELD  AND  STAFF  AND  COMPANY  ROSTERS. 
ROLL  OF  THE  FIELD  AND  STAFF. 

LIST  OF  MEMHERS  MUSTERED  OUT  WITH  THE  REGIMKNT. 

Brevet  Brig.    Gen'l,  Franklin    C.   Smith,   Oneida,  III.*— wounded  at 

Pine  Mountain. 
Major,  Hiland  H.  Clay,  Galesburg,  111. 

Surgeon,  William  Hamilton,     - 

Chaplain,  Cornelius  M.  Wright,  Keithsburg,  111. 
Quartermaster,  Hobart  Hamilton,       

RESIGNED. 

Colonel  William  McMurtry,  February,  1863. 
Lieut.  Colonel  James  M.  Mannon,  Sept.  1864. 
Major  L.  D.  Shinn,  at  Stewart's  Creek,  Tenn.,  1863. 

"      C.  H.  Jackson,  July  9th,  1864. 
Surgeon  D.  B.  Rice,  at  Stewart's  Creek,  1863. 
Assistant  Surgeon  T.  S.  Stan  way,  August,  1864. 
1st  Lieut,  and  Adjutant  J.  Pitman,  Jan.  1863. 

44         and  R.  Q.  M.  Francis  H.  Rugar,  at  Lavergne,  1863. 
Chaplain  M.  K.  Tullis,  at  Gallatin,  1863. 

44        Jesse  E.  Huston,  Sept.,  1864. 

TRANSFERRED. 
Assistant  Surgeon,  David  P.  Bigger,  May,  1865,  to  9th  Ill's  Infantry. 

MISSING. 
1st  Lieut,  and  Adjutant  Jacob  H.  Snyder,  since  May  16th,  1865. 

NON  COMMISSIONED  STAFF. 

MUSTERED  OUT  WITH  THE  REGIMENT. 

Serg't  Major,  Stephen  F.  Fleharty,  Galesburg,  111. 

Q.  M.  Serg't,  Clarence  V.  Shove,  Kewanee,  111. 

Com.  Serg't,  Edward  C.  Courtney,  Oneida,  111. 

Hospital    Steward,    James  B.  Knapp,  Knoxville     '' — wounded  near 

Atlanta. 

Allen  V.  B.  Taylor,  Principal  Musician,  Galesburg,  111. 
John  W.  Ames, 

DISCHARGED. 

Hospital  Steward,  John  B.  Shaw,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  1863. 
Com.  Serg't,  G.  Frank  Clarke,  at  Lavergne,  1863. 
*Pre»ent  Post  Office  Address.  A 


II  APPENDIX. 

ROLL  OF  COMPANY   "A." 

LIST  OF  ORIGINAL  MEMUKRS  DISCHARGED  WITH  THE  REGIMENT. 

Captain,  Theodore  II.  Andrews,  Galesburg,  111. 
1st  Lieut.,  "William  II.  Brown,  Galesburg,  111 — wounded  at  Kepaca. 
1st  Serg't,  Adam  N.  Tate,  Ionia,  111. 
Serg't  James  L.  Moredock,   "         " 
44      Hugh  French,  Henderson,  111. 
"      Daniel  B.  Randall,  Viola,  111. 
"      George  W.  Miller,  Ionia,  111. 
Corporal,  William  C.  Cashman,  Ionia,  111. 

Enoch  W.  Gentry, 

John  T.  Lawson,  Galesburg,  III. 

Andrew  J.  Bow-linger,  Ionia,  111. 

George  R.  Hill,  Oxford,  111. 

Amos  Crow,  Abingdon,  111. 
James  Rittenburg,  Musician,  Oxford,  111. 
William  C.  Wightman,  Wagoner,  Ionia,  111. 

PRIVATES. 
James  B.  Abbott,  Ionia,  111. 
John  C.  Brown,  Keithsbjrg,  111. 

Thomas  Brittingham,  Henderson,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
Crawford  A.  Bruner, 

Simon  Burger,  Abingdon,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
Lyman  S.  C.  Bailey,  Cameron,  111. 
Benjamin  W.  Briles,  Ionia,  111. 
Riley  Brazzell,  Eaglesville,  Mo. 
George  W.  Crosby,  Ionia,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
Richard  Dowell,  "         " 

Samuel  Eicher,  Woodhull,  111. 
Richard  Foster,  Ionia,  111. 
Henry  M.  Glass,     "        " 
Patrick  H.  Gilgan,  Henderson,  111. 
George  Hopple,  Cameron,  111. 
Henry  Mingles,  Ionia,  111. 

James  McCartney,  Ionia,  111 — captured  in  S.  C. — exchanged. 
Joseph  Mann,  Pope  Creek,  111. 
Charles  W.  Mosier,  Ionia,  111. 
Perry  McLaughlin,  Pope  Creek,  111. 
Swan  H.  Olson,  Galesburg,  111. 
Andrew  Pearson,  Oquawka,  111. 
Daniel  Richardson,  Knoxville,  111. 
Alvin  Richardson,  Galesburg,  111 — accidentally  wounded,  June  6th, 

1864. 

Riley  Short,  Ionia,  111. 
Fielding  E.  Scott,  Ionia,  111. 
William  R.  Terrill,  Fddyville,  Iowa. 
Albert  G.  Talbott,  Ionia,  111. 
Otis  B.  Vanfleet,  Galesburg,  111. 


APPENDIX.  Ill 


KNUSTKD  SUBSKQUE.VT  TO  ORGANIZATION' OK  THK  KKUIMKVT. 

John  Walker,  Ionia,  111. 
Ransom  A.  Walker,  Ionia,  111. 

RESIGNED. 

Capt.  R.  R.  Harding,  Jan.,  1863.  Capt.  Robert  W.  Callaghan, 
July  12th,  1863.  1st  Lieut.  Levi  F.  Gentry,  Jan.  27th,  1863.  1st 
Lieut.  M.  L.  Courtney,  July  15th,  1864.  2d  Lieut.  Charles  M.  Bar- 
nett,  Jan.  19 th,  1863. 

DIED. 

1st  Serg't.  John  Morrison,  July  3d,  1864,  of  wounds  received  in 
action  at  Resaca.  Corporal  Eli  Judd,  of  disease,  at  Chattanooga, 
July  27th,  1864.  Corporal  Hugh  Buttcrfield,  killed  at  Resaca. 
Win.  II.  Augustine,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  Feb.  10th.  18(53. 
Alfred  Boyd,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Jan.  loth,  1863.  Robert  T. 
Carl,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Jan.  7th,  1863.  Albert  P.  Cooper, 
killed  at  Resaca.  Ebenezer  Daggett,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Jan., 
22d,  1863.  John  Edwards,  of  disease,  at  Nashville,  Dec.  18th,  1862. 
John  K.  Holmes,  of  disease,  at  Mill  Creek,  Tenn.,  Nov.  3d,  1863. 
Orlando  Kinney,  of  disease,  at  Scottsville,  Ky.,  Nov.  20th,  1863. 
William  Miller,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Jan.  28th,  1863.  Lawrence 
Nash,  killed  at  Resaca.  Franklin  Offut,  of  disease,  at  New  Albany, 
Ind.  Nov.  10th,  1862.  Charles  H.  Rodgers,  of  disease,  at  Frankfort, 
Ky.,  Oct.  21st,  1862.  George  A.  Rodgers,  at  Louisville,  Jan.  10th, 
1864,  of  disease.  Arthur  F.  Sabin,  killed  at  Resaca.  Oliver  N. 
Tyler,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Jan.  17th,  1863.  Elias  N.  Vestal, 
of  disease,  at  Bowling  Green,  Ky., — no  date  given.  Jacob  A.  Wal- 
ton, of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  Jan.  17th,  1863. 

DISCHARGED. 

Corporal  Calvin  Martin,  Jan.  21st,  1863.  Wm.  T.  Anderson,  March 
16th,  1863.  Wm.  H.  Black,  Feb.  17th,  1863.  Solomon  Brittingham, 
March  12th,  1863.  Ambrose  D.  Blake,  Jan.  16th,  1863.  Wm.  H. 
Crandall,  March  12th,  1863.  Neally  Daggett,  Sept.  30th,  1864,  on 
account  of  wounds  received  at  Resaca.  Thomas  G.  French,  Jan. 
18th,  1863.  Christopher  C.  Fulton,  Oct.,  1864,  to  accept  commission 
in  Colored  Regiment.  Thomas  A.  Greenwood,  Nov.  22d,  1862.  John 
A.  Miller,  Jan.  18th,  1863.  William  Morris,  Jan.  20th,  1863.  James 
C.  Routh,  Oct.  28th,  1864.  Asa  Richardson,  Jan.  29th,  1863.  Cyrus 
Weaver,  Dec,  9th,  1862.  John  Wells,  March  4th,  1863, 

TRANSFERRED. 

Allen  V.  B.  Taylor,  to  Non.  Com.  Staff.  Rigdon  B.  Walker,  to 
Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 


I V  APPENDIX. 

ROLL  OF  COMPANY  "  B." 

LIST    OF    ORIGINAL   MEMBERS   DISCHARGED   WITH   THK    REGIMENT 

Capt.,  William  M.  Armstrong,  Utah,  111 — wounded  at  Averysboro 

1st  Lieut.,  Ambrose  Stegall,  Utah,  111. 

1st  Serg't.,  John  W.  Terpening,  Utah,  111. 

Serg't,  John  J.  Armstrong,  Utah,  111— wounded  at  Resaca. 

Alonzo  Beswick,  Utah,  111— wounded  at  Peach  Tree  Creek. 
"        Michael  Dougherty,  Utah,  111. 

Michael  Rees,  Utah,  III. 
Corporal  Dwight  Corning,  Galesburg,  III. 

Orrin  E.  Beswick,  Utah,  111. 
u         James  Walton,  Princeton,  Pa. 
"         William  B.  Armstrong,  Utah,  111. 
Ezra  D.  Bugbee,  Utah,  111. 
Charles  B.  Parsons,  Utah,  111. 
Elisha  E.  Russell,  Utah,  111. 
"        James  M.  Black,  Galesburg,  111. 
John  Hodges,  Musician,  Galesburg,  111. 
Samuel  R.  Curtis,  Wagoner,  Utah,  111. 

PRIVATES. 

David  Artlip,  Centre,  Iowa. 

John  H.  Brown,  Galesburg,  III. 

Daniel  R.  Boyd,  Utah,  111 — wounded  at  Peach  Tree  Creek. 

Jeremiah  Badger,  Rio,  111. 

Thomas  P.  Bruington,  Galesburg,  111. 

Samuel  Church,  North  Henderson,  111. 

Walter  S.  Chapin,  Oquawka,  111 — captured  before  Atlanta — exch'd. 

John  E.  DeWitt,  Duck  Creek,  111. 

I.rmiiion  DeWitt,     "         "         " — wounded  near  Franklin.  Ky. 

Thomas  Davis,  Galesburg,  111. 

Morton  M.  Durand,  "  " — on  detached  service  during  last  year. 

Geo.  W.  Dunn,  Utah,  111 — wounded  near  Franklin,  Ky. 

William  D.  Graham,  Utah,  111. 

John  Gregg,  Galesburg,  111 — captured  near  Averysboro, — exch'd. 

Simeon  G,  Heflin,  Utah,  111. 

Andrew  Kiser.  Utah,  111. 

Kobert  Maxwell,  Galesburg,  111. 

Newton  Nelson,  " 

William  H.  Rees,  Monmauth,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

Gideon  D.  Russell,  Utah,  111 — wounded  at  Kenesaw  Mountain. 

Thomas  M.  Snyder,  Aledo,  111 — wounded  at  Averyshoroi,  N.  C, 

James  W.  Snyder,  Aledo,  111. 

George  Sherman,  Monmouth,  111. 

James  Sohoman,  Galesburg,  111. 

Manuel  Trout  Henderson,  111 — wounded  at  Peach  Tree  Creek, 

Samuel  Terpening,  Utah,  111. 

Richard  B.  Woollev,  Henderson,  III. 


APPENDIX.  V 

William  R.  Wiramer,  Ionia,  111. 
Benjamin  Webber,  Henderson,  111. 
Lewis  A.  Woods,  Utah,  111. 

ENLISTED  SUBSEQUENT  TO  ORGANIZATION  OK  REGIMENT 

Lorenzo  D.  Chapin,  Oquawka,  111. 

John  Walton,  Princeton,  Penn., — wounded  at  Resaca. 

Thomas  St.  George,  Utah,  111. 

John  Armstrong,  Utah,  111. 

Richard  Brown,  Utah,  111. 

Albert  Smith,         "       " 

Xathan  A.  Terpcuing,  Utah,  111. 

RESIGNED. 

Captain. Elisha  C.   Atchison,  April  9th,    1863.     1st  Lieut.  James  C. 
Beswick,  Jan.  14th,  1864. 

DIED. 

David  Hocker,  of  disease,  at  New  Albany,  Ind.,  Nov.  4th,  1862. 
Josiah  M.  Kellogg,  killed  at  Resaca.  John  Rich,  of  disease,  at  Gal- 
latin.  Heuson  Blake,  of  wounds  received  in  action  near  Franklin, 
Ky — died  April  28th,  1863.  Stephen  Cussins,  killed  at  Resaca, 
Charles  W.  Fort,  died  of  disease,  while  at  home  on  furlough. 
Leonard  Harsh,  drowned  in  Stewart's  Creek,  Tenn.,  July  2d,  1863. 
John  Hewson,  of  disease,  while  at  home  on  furlough,  Feb.  15th, 
1865.  Charles  Hollenbeck,  of  disease,  March  23d,  1864,  at  Look- 
out Valley.  Thomas  J.  Maxey,  killed  in  action  near  Kenesaw  Moun- 
tain, June  21st,  1863.  Harvey  Rodgers,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn., 
Jan.  1st,  1863.  Henry  Reynolds,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  Dec., 
1862.  Lyman  B.  Straw,'  killed  at  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Jacob 
Snavely,  of  wounds  received  in  action  near  Franklin,  Ky.,  April  28th, 
1863. 

DISCHARGED. 

1st  Serg't  John  B.  Gregg,  Serg't  Henry  C.  Miles,  Corporal  Lewis 
Trout,  David  Ingersoll,  (Musician.)  Henry  B.  Burton,  Thomas  M. 
Hite,  James  B.  Dunn,  Elias  K.  Ferris,  Fielding  F.  Miles,  John  M. 
Miles,  Thatcher  Porter,  Robert  St.  George,  Daniel  B.  Stivers,  at 
Gallatin,  Tenn.  John  W.  Brown,  at  Frankfort,  Ky.  Alfred  Brown, 
at  New  Albany,  Ind.  James  Donnelly,  on  account  of  wounds,  at 
Springfield,  111",  Oct.  7th,  1864.  Francis  M.  Duffy,  Andrew  Peterson, 
at  Smyrna,  Tenn.  Washington  G.  Sallee,  at  "Jeffersonville,  Ind. 
Daniel  S.  Weiser,  Bowling  Green,  Ky. 

TRANSFERRED. 
Geo.  Coziah,  to  Vet.  Vel.  Engineers. 

DESERTED. 
Samuel  C.  Davi?,  March,  1863. 


VI 


APPENDIX. 


ROLL  OF  COMPANY  "0." 

LIST    OP    ORIGINAL    MEMBERS    DISCHARGED    WITH    THE    REGIMENT. 

Captain,  Almond  Shaw,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 

1st  Lieut.,  Alfred  H.  Trego,  Galesburg,  111 — wounded  at  Pine  Moun- 
tain, and  at  Averysboro. 
2d  Lieut.,  Byron  Jordan,  Rural,  111. 
1st  Serg't,  George  W.  Gregg,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 
Serg't,  Sampson  M.  Tenney,  Pre-emption,  111. 

"       Henry  Bridgford,  Richland  Grove — wounded  at  Resaca. 
"       Reading  L.  Carver,  Pre-emption,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
"       Brainard  Vance,  Pre-emption,  111. 
Corporal  Phoenix  R.  Briggs,  Richland  Grove,  111. 
"       John  H.  Lippincott, — wounded  at  Resaca. 

George  S.  Trego,  Centre  Ridge,  111 — captured  near  Cheraw, 
S.  C.— exchanged. 

Corporal  James  M.  Shull,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 
"       Charles  I.  Mclntyre,  Hamlet,  111. 
"       William  J.  Long,  Rural,  111. 
"       Wilford  Pitman,  Pre-emption,  111. 
"       Lester  H.  Cooper,  Hamlet,  111. 
Thomas  Merryman,  Musician,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 

PRIVATES. 

Thomas  Allely,  Rural,  111. 

Theodore  Asquith,  Hazlitt,  111. 

Richard  B.  Barnes,  Geneseo,  111. 

James  F.  Barnett,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 

Christian  F.  Bharinger,  Richland  Grove,  111. 

James  M.  Beardsle}%   Rock   Island,  111 — captured  at  Bentonville,— 

exchanged. 

David  Beck,  Richland  Grove,  111. 
Christian  Bloom,  " 
Louis   Bloom,     Richland   Grove,   111 — captured   Nov.    15th,    1864— 

escaped  next  day. 
William  Blackfan,  Orion,  111. 

Manuel  M.  Briggs,  Richland  Grove,  111 — wounded  at  New  Hope  Ch. 
Samuel  G.  Chaney,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 
James  Cottenburg,  Richland  Grove,  111. 
Jacob  Clause,  Richland  Grove,  111. 
Wm.  H.  Cooper,  Hamlet,  111. 
William  E.  Davis,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 
George  Eckley,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 

Ed.  L.  Emerson,  Keithsburg,  111 — captured  Jan.,  1863 — exchanged. 
Samuel  B.  Ewing,  Orion,  111. 
James  Gorman,  Perryton,  111. 
Horace  J.  Gridley,  Hamlet,  111. 
Louis  Hetzel,  Richland  Grove,  111. 
Nathaniel  Hainor,  Rural,  111. 


APPENDIX.  VII 

Charles  Joseph,  Rock  Island,  111 — wounded  at  Averysboro'  and  cap- 
tured near  Goldsboro' — exchanged. 

Jacob  Krause,  Richland  Grove,  111. 

Charles  J.  Lawson,  Centre  Ridge,  111 — wounded  at  Averysboro*. 

Joseph  Littletield,  Centre  Ridge,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

Harvey  McElhinny,     " 

Matthew  H.  C.  McElhinny,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 

Freeman  Merryman,  Centre  Ridge,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

.John  H.  Martin,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 

Gottlob  Maier,  Richland  Grove,  111. 

Adam  Maucker,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 

Albion  Nichols,  Hamlet,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

Charles  W.  Norman,  Centre  Ridge,  111 — captured  near  Louisville, 
Georgia — exchanged. 

John  P.  Olson,  Paxton,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

David  Pfitzenmaier,  Richland  Grove,  111. 

Joseph  M.  Piersol,  Rural,  111. 

Joseph  N.  Roberts,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 

Isaiah  N.  Rhodenbaugh,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 

Frederick  Schurr,  Richland  Grove,  111. 

Peter  Smith,  Richland  Grove,  111. 

John  Smith,          " 

Henry  W.  Suter,  Centre  Ridge,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca,  and  cap- 
tured  near  Louisville,  Ky., — exchanged. 

Warner  Twining,  Pre-emption,  111. 

Gideon  M.  Tomlinson,  Richland  Grove,  HI. 

Thomas  Wilson,  Pre-emption,  111. 

Joseph  White,  Richland  Grove,  111. 

William  E.  Wallace,  Rural,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

Franklin  M.  Weaver,  Keithsburg,  111. 

Wilford  J.  Ungles,  "—captured  Nov.,    1864— exch'd. 

ENLISTED  SUBSEQUENT  TO  ORGANIZATION  OF  REGIMENT. 

Stephen  A.  Bartlett,  Richland  Grove,  111. 
Charles  T.  Blackfan,  Orion,  111. 
John  J.  Brice,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 
Edwin  T.  Jordan,  Rural,  111. 
Gilbert  A.  Jordan,    "         " 
James  G.  Love,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 
Alexander  McKay,  Rock  Island,  111. 
William  McGill,  Rural,  111. 
James  Marshall,  Richland  Grove,  111. 
Lewis  N.  Peyton,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 
William  Parks, 

Valentine  Smith,  Rock  Island,  111. 
Harrison  Trego,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 
Alfred  R.  Tomlinson,  Richland  Grove,  111. 
William  W.  Vansant,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 
Thomas  H.  White,  Rock  Island,  111. 


VIII  APPENDIX. 


RESIGNED. 

Captain  F.  Shedd,  April  6th,  1863.  Lient.  Watson  C.  Trego,  Xov. 
18th,  1862. 

DIED. 

Serg't  Geo.  W.  Allen,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  May  7th,  1863. 
Serg't  I.  N.  Roberts,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  March,  *4th,  1863. 
Charles  Anderson,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  Dec.  15th,  1862. 
Francis  M.  Freeman,  killed  at  Resaca. 

Henry  Herr,  of  disease,  while  at  home  on  furlough,  June,  1863. 
George  H.  Huffman,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  Jan.  6th,  1863. 
Edmund  Kinsey,  killed  at  Resaca.  Thomas  B.  South,  of  disease,  at 
Gallatin,  Jan.  4th,  1863.  George  Bharinger,  of  disease,  at  New  York 
City,  1865. 

DISCHARGED. 

Serg't  Rodney  C.  Manning,  Sept.  12th,  1864,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  at  the  battle  of  Resaca.  George  Bressmer,  Dec.  16th,  1863. 
Henry  G.  Cooper,  Oct.  7th,  1864,  on  account  of  wounds  received  at 
Resaca.  Myron  X.  Jordan,  Jan.  15th,  1863.  Major  McMullen,  Jan. 
15th,  1863.  James  Spivey,  May  9th,  1863.  Leonard  Stark,  June 
20th,  1864.  Jacob  R.  Trego,  Jan.  15th,  1863.  Jacob  Robb,  Feb., 
1863.  William  Thorpe,  at  Bowling  Green,  Kentucky,  1863. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Corporal  S.  F.  Fleharty,  to  Xon.  Com.  Siaff.  James  H.  Jackson,  to 
Pioneer  Corps.  Clinton  Olin,  to  Vet.  Reserve  Corps.  Jason  E, 
Young,  to  Pioneer  Corps.  Chas.  Pierce,  to  Vet.  Reserve  Corps. 

DESERTED. 
Jonas  Swab,  April  20th,  1863,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn. 


IX 


.ROLL  OF  COMPANY  "D" 


LIST    OK    ORIGINAL    MEMBERS  DISCHARGED    TVITH   THE    RKGIMKNT. 

Captain,  Orville  B.  Matteson,  Galesburg;  111  —  wounded  at  Arerys- 

boro'. 

1st  Lieut.  Irving  L.  Clay,  Gaii-sburg,  111. 

1st  Serg't,  Ozias  C.  Sprague,  Bushnull,  111  —  wounded  at  Averysboro' 
Serg't,  Rowley  Page,  Galesburg,  111. 
"       Hiram  A.  Drake,  Galesburg,  111. 
"      William  A.  Bell,  Oneida,  111. 
Corporal  Silas  Area,  Wataga,  111  —  wounded  at  Resaca. 

"       Frank  L.  Barnhisel,  Galesburg,  111. 

"       William  Dunlap,  Woodhull,  111. 

"       Augustus  Sherman,  Galesburg,  111  —  wounded  at  New  Hope 

Church  —  captured  in  North  Carolina,  —  exchanged. 
Corporal  Edward  A.  Hulick,  Virgil,  111. 

"       Charles  M.  Castle,  Knoxville,  111. 

"       William  M.  Cone,  Galesburg,  111. 
Benj.  F.  Hackett,  Wagoner,  Prairie  City,  111. 

PRIVATES. 

William  Allen,  Muscatine,  Iowa. 

Reuben  B.  Anderson,  Galesburg,  111. 

William  J.  Bing,  Galesburg,  111. 

Elisha  Billings,  Oxford,  111  —  captured  in  South  Carolina  —  exchanged. 

Robert  Billings,  Oxford,  111  —  captured  in  North  Carolina  —  exchanged. 

Philetus  G.  Burch,  Knoxville,  111. 

Hiram  Boon,  Galesburg,  111. 

Thomas  M.  Bell,  Galesburg,  111. 

Lewis  C.  Currier,  Prairie  City,  111. 

John  Conley,  Woodhull,  111.  * 

Ario  W.  Davison,  Galesburg,  111. 

Charles  Fast,  Virgil,  111. 

Charles  L.  Groscup,  Galesburg,  111. 

Frank  Hilton,  Galesburg,  111. 

Charles  L.  Huestis,  "  "  captured  in  North  Carolina  —  exchanged. 

William  Hills, 

Sydney  B.  Henry,  Bushnell,  111. 

Kindred  Johnson,  Galesburg,  111. 

John  Kite.  "  " 

Moses  J.  Keller,  "  " 

John  J.  Kipp,  Bushnell,  111. 

Franklin  Letts,  Woodhull,  111. 

Robert  N.  Lester,  Galesburg,  111. 

Joseph  E.  Lester,          "  " 

Frans  Maul,  "  wounded  at  Kenesaw  Mountain, 

Daniel  T.  Page,  "  wounded  at  Resaca. 

Edmund  M.  Pugh,  " 

F.rastus  W.  Rhykert,     " 


A  APPENDIX. 

Jos.  H.  Rhykert,  Galesburg,  111. 

Albert  M.  Stoddard,  Prairie  City,  111.,  captured  near  Goldsboro  — 

exchanged. 

Josiah  P.  Spencer,  Hinckley,  Ohio,  wounded  at  Resaca. 
Lewis  G.  Strong,  Osceola,  111. 
James  Strow,  Knoxville,  111. 
John  0.  Smith,  Bushnell,  111. 
Samuel  Taylor,  Prairie  City,  111. 
George  W.  Turner,  Woodhull,  111. 

ENLISTED    SUBSEQUENT    TO  ORGANIZATION  OF  REGIMENT. 

Albert  B.  Nixon,  Musician,  Woodhull,  111. 
Henry  C.  Castle,  Knoxville,  111. 
Dennison  Randall,        "  " 

Dennison  P.  Randall,  " 

RESIGNED. 
Captain  Horace  H.  Wilsie,  April  8,  1863. 

DIED. 

James  White,  of  disease,  at  Stewarts'  Creek,  Tennessee,  Aug.  9th, 
1863.  Elias  E.  Champlin,  killed  at  Resaca.  John  Barker,  of  dis- 
ease, at  Wauhatchie,  Tenn.,  April,  1864.  Jesse  H.  Marble,  of  dis- 
ease, at  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  Jan.  20th,  1863.  Eugene  Corkins,  of  wounds 
received  in  action  near  Kenesaw  Mountain,  June  22d,  1864 — died 
Aug.  4th,  1864. 

DISCHARGED.* 

Corporal  James  R.  Randall,  Corporal  Joel  E.  Ragland,  John  D. 
Babcock,  Win.  E.  Canfield,  Thomas  Doyle,  William  Doyle,  Jacob  M. 
Grimes,  Wm.  B.  Hunt  (on  account  of  wounds).  John  Kite,  Sen. 
Timothy  Page,  Hosea  Rounds,  Isaiah  Tompkins,  Win.  Tribble,  Lewis 
Tuppe'-,  Isaac  D.  Young. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Captain  Hiland  H.  Clay,  by  promotion  to  position  of  Major.  Lieut. 
J.  B.  Nixon,  to  17th  U.  S.  C.  I.  Serg't  Coryden  D.  Hendryx,  tol7th 
U.  S.  C.  I.  F.  G.  Daggett,  to  107th  U.  S.  C.  I.  Nicholas'G.  Chese- 
bro,  to  Carr's  Brigade.  John  W.  Ames,  to  Non.  Com.  Staff.  Geo. 
W.  Chamberlain,  to  1st  Tenn.  Artillery.  Larkin  B.  Ellis,  to  V.  V. 
Engineers.  Wm.  R.  Hendryx,  to  Mississippi  Marine  Brigade.  John 
H.  Lippy,  do.  T.  J.  McClui-g,  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

DESERTED. 

Geo.  W,  Doyle,  Sept.  6th,  1862.     Hugh  Lavery,   Sept.  16th,  1862. 
*No  date  given. 


APPENDIX.  XI 


ROLL  OF  COMPANY  "E." 

LIST  OF  ORIGINAL  MEMBERS  DISCHARGED  WITH  THE  REGIMENT. 

Brevet  Major.  Dan  W.  Sedwick,  Pope  Creek,  111. 

1st  Lieut.,  Thomas  G.  Brown,  "         "         " 

1st  Serg't,  Jonathan  E.  Laff'erty,  North  Henderson  111. 

Serg't,  Thomas  Simpson,  "      lost  left  arm 

in  battle  of  Averysboro'. 
"       John  T.  Morford,  Ionia,  111. 

"       Jno.  Tidball,  Pope  Creek,  111 — wounded  at  New  Hope  Church. 
"        Allen  Dunn,  North  Henderson,  111. 
Corporal,  Henry  W.  Mauck,  Pope  Gret*,  111. 

Robert  Godfrey,  North  Henderson,  111. 
Cornelius  Brown,  Pope  Creek,  111. 

Simeon  Rothrock,     "         "         "      lost  right  eye  in  action 
at  New  Hope  Church. 
Thomas  Barhan, 

James  C.  Middaugh  "         "         "  wounded  at  Averysboro'. 
William  H.  Dickie,  Musician,  North  Henderson,  111. 

PRIVATES. 

William  Artman,  Pope  Creek,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

Philip  T.  Bridger,    " 

Henry  Banks,  North  Henderson,  111 — wounded  at  New  Hope  Church. 

John  H.  Bentz,  Sunbeam,  111. 

Abram  J.  Carmichael,  North  Henderson,  111. 

Edward  Chilson,  Pope  Creek,  111. 

Geo.  W.  Edwards    " 

Elijah  Gilbert          "         "         " 

Charles  Hartsell      "         " 

John  Laughhead,  North  Henderson,  111. 

James  M.  Lee 

James  H.  Lafferty     " 

Stephen  D.  Lethco,  Pope  Creek,  111. 

Fr»ncis  M.  Morford,    " 

Abner  T.  Morford,      "          "         "  captured  at  Vinings,  Ga.,   Oct., 

1864;  exchanged,  April,  1865. 

Jonathan  P.  Morrison,  North  Henderson,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
Henry  S.  Middaugh,  Pope  Creek,  111 — wounded  at  New  Hope  Church. 
Hiram  T.  Morford,         "         "         "  wounded  near  Atlanta. 
William  H.  Morford,  Ionia,  111. 
James  H.  McKnight,  North  Henderson,  111. 
Richard  H.  McGee,  Sunbeam,  111. 
Henry  McNeal,  Pope  Creek,  111. 
Leslie  Patterson,  Sunbeam,  111. 
Joseph  Patterson,  North  Henderson,  111. 
Robert  Ross,  Sunbeam,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
Edward  M.  Shearer,  North  Henderson,  111. 


XII 


AIM'KXDIX. 


David  R.  Simpson,  North  Henderson,  111, 

William  L.  Stewart,  "  " 

William  R.  Simpson,  " 

Amos  Wright,  Pope  Creek,  111. 

Richard  Wright,  " 

John  H.  Wiley,  North  Henderson,  111. 

Reuben  Wiley,         "  "  "  wounded  at  R«-s»u-a. 

Robert  Wilson,        "  "  "   wounded  at  Golgotha  Church. 

Gilbert  Zend,  "  wounded  at  Resaca, 

ENLISTED    SUBSEQUENT   TO    ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  RKGIMKNT. 

Matthew  C.  Boggs,  North  Henderson,  111. 
RESIGNED, 

Capt  Thomas  Likely,  At>ril  25th,  1863.  2d  Lieut.  John  Allison* 
March  5th,  1864. 

DIED. 

Serg't  Albert  C.  Bridger,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.,  Dec.,  8th, 
1862.  Corporal  W.  T.  Sevits,  killed  at  Lawtonville,  S.  0.,  February 
2d,  1865.  Richard  Brown,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Jan.  3d,  1863. 
Peter  F.  Cook,  killed  at  Resaca.  J.  B.  Carmicnael,  of  wounds 
received  in  action  at  New  Hope  Church,  at  Chattanooga,  June  4th, 
1864.  Seth  Gravatt,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  1863.  Michael  Oswalt, 
of  wounds  received  at  Resaca,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  June  29th,  1864. 
J.  C.  Simpson,  of  wounds  received  at  Lawtonville,  at  Fayette- 
ville,  N.  C.,  March  14th,  1865.  Chauncey  Royce,  of  disease,  at  Gal- 
latin, Jan.  2d.  1864. 

DISCHARGED. 

1st  Serg't,  S.  R.  Moore,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.  1st  Serg't,  W.  J.  Abdill, 
July  1st,  1863,  to  accept  commission  in  colored  regiment.  Corporal 
Henry  M.  Carmichael,  at  Gallatin.  W.  P.  Morgan,  at  Stewart's 
Creek.  D.  T.  Porter,  at  Camp  Butler,  111.  William  B.  Cullison,  at 
Quincy,  111.,  Feb.  22d,  1865.  H.  T.  Bridger,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn., 
Andrew  Boger,  at  Louisville,  Ky.  Isaac  Carson,  Keokuk,  Iowa,  Dec. 
12th,  1864,  lost  right  hand  at  New  Hope  Church.  Thomas  Godfrey, 
at  Gallatin,  Tenn.  Orange  Lucas,  at  Bowling  Green,  Ky.,  1863. 
Samuel  Lyon,  at  Jeffersonville,  Ind.,  1862.  Nelson  Morey,  at  ^ring- 
field,  111.,  Dec.  9th,  1864.  Geo.  T.  Nevius,  at  Gallatiu,  Tenn.  Robert 
Neeley,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.  Peter  Peterson,  Nashville,  Tenn.  F.  T. 
Porter,  Alexander  Patterson  and  W.  B.  Torbet,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn. 

MISSING. 

John  A.  McCutchen — was  seen  to  fall  at  Resaca,  but  could  not  be 
found  after  the  battle  was  over. 


APPENDIX.  XIII 

ROLL  OF  COMPANY  "  F." 

LIST  OF  ORIGINAL  MEMBERS  DISCHARGED  WITH  THE  REGIMENT. 

Captain,  Geo.  W.  Woolley,  Oneida,  111. 

1st  Lieut.,  Robert  S.  Peebles,  " 

1st  Serg't,  Geo.  W.  Plummer,  Henderson,  111.,  wounded  at  Kenesaw 

Mountain. 

Serg't  Myron  Nelson,  "  " 

"      Stephen  Levalley,  Victoria,  111. 
"      Isaac  A.  Hardenbrook,  Centre  Ridge,  111. 
44      James  K.  Weir,  Abingdon,  111. 
Corporal,  Oscar  F.  Presson,  Galesburg,  111. 
'  '       John  II.  Champion,  Henderson,  111. 
1          Alfred  B.  Firkins,  Wataga,  IU — wounded  at  Resaca. 

John  S.  Hall,  Oxford,  111. 

*          Joseph  Inick,  Henderson,  111 — captured  near  Averysboro, 
exchanged. 

4          Lorenzo  L.  Maxson,  Oxford,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
4         Joseph  Smith,  Henderson,  111 — wounded  near  Atlanta. 
Eri  Bennett,  Musician,  Henderson,  111. 

PRIVATES. 

Alfred  C.  Briggs,  Henderson,  111. 

Aaron  B.  Brooks, 

Oliver  Burton,  Galesburg,  111 — wounded  at  Kenesaw  Mountain. 

Pavid  Bair,  Oxford,  111 — wounded  at  New  Hope  Ch. 

James  Cubbage,  Henderson,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

Isaac  C.  Durdan, 

Joseph  Driffle,  Ionia,  111. 

Thomas  Dean,  Henderson,  111 — wounded  at  Kenesaw  Mountain. 

Daniel  Dean, 

George  Dew, 

William  Epperson,  Oxford,  111. 

Joseph  Fulton, 

Caleb  J.  Green,  Oneida,  111. 

Caleb  Green, 

John  G.  Gulliher,  Knoxville,  111. 

Martin  V.  Key,  Henderson,  111. 

William  Linn,*  Oxford,  111 — wounded  at  Savanah. 

James  H.  Murphy,  4'       " 

Matthew  O'Brien,  Henderson,  111. 

Thomas  H.  Pool, 

Hiram  Rusk,  North  Prairie,  111. 

Michael  Rafferty,  Henderson,  111. 

Enoch  Rush,  Oxford,  111. 

John  Swancer,    "         " 

Frederick  Stegall,  Henderson,  111. 

David  Wilson,  " 

Thomas  Welch,  Galesburg,  111. 

William  Westerdale,  Oneida,  111. 

Michael  Young,  Henderson,  111. 


XIV 


\  riTN  ni\. 


wounded  at  Resaca. 


'wounded  at  Averysboro,  N.  C, 


ENLISTED  SUBSEQUENT  TO  ORGANIZATION  OF  TIIK  KEOIMENT. 

Charles  N.  Bond,  Galesburg,  111 — taken  prisoner  near  Che-raw,  8.  C. 

George  Bennett,  Henderson,  111. 

Hiram  C.  Dawson,  Mount  Sterling,  111. 

Joseph  H.  Dredge,  North  Prairie,  111. 

John  Edleman,  Henderson,  111. 

Swan  Erickson,         '  '  wounded  at  Resaea. 

Samuel  Holton, 

James  H.  Hill, 

Richard  Maxwell, 

James  F.  Maxwell, 

Peter  McGuire, 

William  H.  Shepherd 

Geo.  G.  Sperry, 

Hosea  Wiley, 

RESIGNED. 

1st  Lieut.  Orlando   J.   Sullivan,  at  Gallatin. 
Cornwall,  at  Scottsville  Ky. 

DIED. 

£  1st  Serg't  Thomas  Merrick,  of  wounds  received  near  V in  ings,  Ga. 
John  B.  Gorman,  at  Nashville  Term.  Vandorn  Amy,  of  disease,  at 
Gallatin.  William  Drury,  of  disease,  at  Frankfort,  Ky.  Nelson 
Gokey,  of  disease,  at  Mound  City,  111.  Paul  Hahn,  of  disease,  at 
Na>hville.  Thomas  McDermott,  and  Andrew  Ro>c,  of  disease,  at 
Gallatin  Tenn. 

DISCHARGED. 

Cbas.  I.  Epperson,  Win.  Timberlake,  at  Gallatin.  John  W.  Hearc, 
Thomas  P.  Epperson,  Martin  Robertson,  John  A.  Bueschcl,  Stroud 
Vanmetre,  Levi  Gascon,  Levi  W.  Fairbanks,  Charles  Meadows,  Au- 

fustus  Morse,  John  M.  Morse,  Pat.  McDermott,  John  Rusk,  Geo.  A. 
pence,  Laland  Salts,  Ceylon  Smith,  and   David  Young,    (time  and 
place  not  given.)     Asa  II.  Jones,  at  Lavergne,  Tenn. 


2d   Lieut.  Ethan  A. 


TRANSFERRED. 


Amos 


Capt.  C.  H.  Jackson,  by  promotion,   to  position   of  Major. 
K.  Tullis,  promoted  to  Chaplain. 

DESKliTKn. 

Asa  II.  Warner.  Hosea  Fuller,  Joseph  Keruell,  William  Nation 
and  David  Rusk,  on  the  march  from  Frankfort  to  Bowling  Green,  Ky. 
William  D.  Roundtree  and  Stephen  II.  Wnters,  in  front  of  Atlanta, 
Aug.  14th,  1864. 


APPENDIX.  XV 


ROLL  OF  COMPANY  "ft." 

UST    OK    ORIGINAL    MKMHKKS    IHSCIIAIKUCI)    WITH    THE    RKCHMKXT. 

Captain  Isaac  MeManus,  Keithsburg,  111., — Commissioned  Lieut.  Col., 

was  wounded  at  Golgotha  Church,  near  Pine  Mountain. 
William  FT.  Bridgford,  Bfflleraburg,  111., — Commissioned  as  Captain. 
1st  Serg't  Lemuel  S.  Guffev,  Perryton,  III., — Commissioned  1st  Lieut. 
Serg't  Elisha  J.  Grandstaff,  " 

"      R.  W.  Kile,  Keithshurg,  111. 
"      James  If.  McCommon,  Millersburg,  111. 
"  _  John  C.  Cummins,  Ohio  Grove,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
Corporal  Lewis  Wilkinson,  Abington,  111. 

Oliver  M.  Goldsbury,  Keithsburg,  111. 

William  M.  Bunting,  Millersburg,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

William  F.  Cochran, 

Samuel  McIIard,  Perryton,  111. 

Squire  W.  Butcher,  Abington,  111. 

James  H.  Fox,  "  " 

Joseph  0.  Calhoun,  Musician,  Keithsburg,  111 — wounded  at.  the   Kulp 
House. 

PRIVATES. 

Walter  Brown,  Sue/,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
James  B.  Brewer,  Keithsburg,  111. 
Charles  P.  Brock, 
Roderick  Cameron,  Abington,  111. 
John  A.  Connolley,  Keithsburg,  111. 
Peter  Cameron,  "     wounded  at  Resaca. 

John  Dunn,  Ohio  Grove,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
Martin  V.  Eckley,  Keithsburg,  111. 
Frederick  Friebcle,    Burlington,  Iowa — wounded  at  Resaca  and   a  I. 

Bontonville. 

John  B.  Fclton,  Millersburg,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
Alexander  Glasgow,,  Keithsburg,  111. 
William  Gorman,  Perryton,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
William  P.  Hardin,  Keithsburg,  111. 
U'esley  Hunt,  Millersburg,  111. 
Jacob  K.  Hauck,  Perryton,  111. 
John  A.  Hicks  Bdgingtbh,  111. 
Alvah  Jay,  Abington,  111. 
William  H.  Johnston,  Ohio  Grove,  111. 
Dexter  M.  King,  Millersburg,  111. 
Michael  R.  Murphy,  Abington,  111. 
John  Mingles,  Keithsburg,  111. 
Geo.  H.  Mingles,       "  il 

James  K.  Minor,  Ohio  Grove,  111. 
John  J.  McDonald,  Keithsburg,  111. 
Otto  Ott,  " 

William  S.  Pearson,  Abiugton,  111. 
Samuel  S.  Pearce,  Keithsburg,  111. 


XVI  APPENDIX. 

John  A.  Stevens,  Abington,  111. 

Isaac  N.  Stevens,         u  " 

Patrick  Smith,  Keithsburg,  111. 

Samuel  Stearns,  Abington,  111. 

Gabriel  E.  Shaw,  Mjllersburg,  111. 

Thomas  Spence,  Perryton,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

Geo.  W.  Thomas,  Abington,  111. 

William  H.  Turner,  Keithsburg,  111. 

William  H.  Wilson,  New  Boston,  111. 

Charles  B.  Wakeland,  Millersburg,  111. 

David  Woliver,  Perryton,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

Thomas  Winters,  Abington,  111. 

John  C.  Vance, 

James  M.  Walker,  Viola,  111. 

ENLISTED    SUBSEQUENT   TO    ORGANIZATION  OF  THE  REGIMENT. 

Thomas  C.  Johnson,  Millersburg,  111. 
Lucien  Murphy,  Keithsburg,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
William  W.  Wakeland,  Millersburg,  111. 
MordecaiJTerry,  "        '    " 

RESIGNED. 

Capt.  Joseph  P.  Wycoff,  at  Gallatin,  Tcnn.  2d  Lient.  Luke  P. 
Blackburn,  Gallatin,  Tenn. 

DISMISSED. 

2d  Lieut.  Aaron  G.  Henry — without  proper  cause  and  by  an  incom  - 
petent  Court  Martial — See  "  Supplementary." 

DIED. 

Serg't  Richard  H.  Cabeen,  killed  at  Resaca.  Corporal  John  Gib- 
son, killed  at  Resaca.  Watson  W.  Hibbs,  killed  at  Resaca.  Samuel 
Harvey,  killed  near  Cassville,  May  19th,  1864.  1st  Serg't  John  C. 
Reynolds,  Aug.  8th,  1864,  of  wounds  received  at  Peach  Tree  Creek. 
Serg't  John  McHard,  July  25th,  of  wounds  received  at  Peach  Tree 
Creek.  Corporal  Jared  Y.  Harris,  May  17th,  of  wounds  received  at 
Resaca.  John  Burnett,  May  17th,  of  wounds  received  at  Resaca. 
William  T.  Todd,  July  17th,  of  wounds  received  at  Resaca.  William 
P.  Irwin,  wounded  at  Resaca  and  probably  died  in  Hospital.  Serg't 
Robert  B.  Seaton,  of  disease,  at  Nashville.  Lloyd  H.  Casebolt,  of 
disease,  at  Gallatin.  Richard  M.  Hoy,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin. 
Alonzo  T.  Dopp,  of  disease,  at  Atlanta. 

DISCHARGED. 

Corporal  Andrew  J.  Douglas  and  John  G.  Poague,  at  Gallatin. 
Corporal  Andrew  J.  Campbell,  at  Lavergne.  William  Murphy  and 
William  S.  Dilley,  at  Louisville,  Ky.  James  0.  Baker,  at  Nashville. 
Samuel  H.  Danner  and  Eolus  Elrick,  at  Gallatin.  Josephus  Gray  and 
Ebenezer  Gray,  at  Louisville.  Geo.  W.  Hoover,  at  Quinev,  111. 
John  Henry,  Daniel  C.  Halsted,  Frederick  W.  Johns,  Martin  V.  Mor- 
gan and  John  0.  Minor,  at  Gallatin.  Samuel  Parks,  at  Quincy,  111. 


APPENDIX.  XVII 

Joseph  A.  Webster,  at  Davenport,  Iowa.  William  Wilson,  John 
Workman,  Moses  X.  Warren,  David  Ritchie,  William  C.  Hardin  and 
Henry  B.  Worden,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Thomas  M.  Garrett,  Duncan  B.  Seaton,  Norman   F.  Wood,  to  Yet. 
Vol.  Eng.  Corps.     Almyron  Luce,  to  Miss.  Marine  Brigade. 


XVIII  APPENDIX. 

ROLL  OF  COMPANY  "  H." 

LIST    OF    ORIGINAL    MEMBERS    DISCHARGED    WITH    THE    RKUIMEST. 

Captain  Hiram  Elliott,  Knoxville,  111. 
2d  Lieut.,  Samuel  Tucker,  Eugene,  111. 
1st  Serg't,  Lucius  A.  Lawrence,  Yates  City,  111. 
Serg't  Samuel  S.  Seward,  Truro,  111. 
"     Albert  Bullard,  Knoxville,  111. 
"     Geo.  W.  German,  Eugene,  111. 
"     John  German, 
Corporal  Eber  Parish,        " 

Allen  Millcn,  Truro,  111. 
Jerome  Gearheart,  Oneida,  111. 
'        Robert  Bryson,  Eugene,  111. 
4       Warren  Elliott,  Knoxville,  111. 
George  Walker,         " 
John  W.  Hogue,  Eugene,  111. 
Tufva  S.  Johnson,  Musician,  Galesburg,  111. 
Winslow  II.  Bradford,  Musician,  Knoxville,  111. 

P  R I  V  A  T  E  S. 

Matthew  Ackerson,  Galesburg,  111. 
Calvin  Bullard,  Eugene,  111. 

Egbert  Bullard,  Knoxville,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
Oloff  Bankson,  Galesburg,  111. 
Edgar  Balch,  Yates  City,  111. 
James  W.  Collins,  Truro,  111. 
Thomas  Canny,  Yates  City,  111. 
James  Daniels  Victoria,  111. 
William  Daniels,  Knoxville,  111., 
Orange  Daniels  Elmwood,  111. 
Robert  X.  Freeborn,  East  Springfield,  0. 
Alfred  Gardner,  Knoxville,  111. 
Jonathan  Hogue,  Eugene,  111. 
Oloff  A.  Hunt,  Galesburg,  III. 
Joseph  Kimler,  Eugene,  111. 
John  F.  Mire,  Knoxville,  111. 
Francis  McClellan,  Galesburg,  111. 
George  Owens,  Yates  City,  111. 
Cornelius  Powell,  Eugene,  111. 
Harrison  Palmer,  Knoxville,  111. 

Ira  L.  Parish,  Eugene,  111 — wounded  at  New  Hope  Church. 
Sidney  Rowland,  "        " 
Charles  Selstrom,  Galesburg,  111. 
Silas  Snider,  Knoxville,  111. 
Fitch  Shaw,  Laharpe,  111, 
James  B.  S  mpkins,  Wataga,  111. 
Charles  G  Smith,  Knoxville,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
Jeremiah  D.  Shinn,  Woodhull,  111. 

Wm.  G.  Sargeant,  Knoxville,  111 — A  ccidontally  wounded  at  Overall' 
Creek. 


APPENDIX.  XIX 

Simeon  Temple,  Trnro,  111. 
Thomas  Tucker,  Eugene,  111. 
Ira  K.  B.  Mott,  Prairie  City,  111. 

KXI.ISTED  SUBSEQUENT  TO  ORGANIZATION  OF  REGIMENT. 

Richard  F.  Mire,  Knoxville  111. 
Amos  Snider,  Galesburg,  111. 
Warren  Wolf,  Truro,  111. 
William  Lemmon,  "      " 
Thomas  Arie,  Knoxville,  111. 
Henry  Arie, 

DIED. 

Serg't  (leo.  P.  Gumming,  wounded  near  Atlanta  and  killed  by  R. 
K.  accident,  while  going  home.  Serg't  Harmon  C.  Shinn,  killed  at 
Peach  Tree  Creek.  Corporal  Demetrius  H.  Baird,  killed  at  Resaca. 
Corporal  Peter  F.  Dillon,  May  27th,  1864,  of  wounds  received  at 
Resaca.  Samuel  Kight,  killed  near  Peach  Tree  Creek,  by  falling 
tree,  while  Reg't  was  building  breastworks.  Francis  Ralph,  May 
20th,  1864,  of  wounds  received  at  Resaca.  James  Elliott,  killed  at 
Resaca.  James  L.  Thomas,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin.  Paul  Yanwin- 
kle,  of  disease,  at  Bowling  Green.  Ky.  Augustus  Johnson,  of  dis- 
ease, at  Gallatin.  William  P.  Volk,  of  disease,  at  Bucyrus,  Ohio, 
while  at  home  on  furlough. 

DISCHARGED. 

Serg't  Geo.  W.  Parker,  Corporal  Joseph  Kasiah,  Corporal  Stephen 
1).  Cole,  Isaac  Wilhelm,  Frank  Barlow,  Ira  B.  Belcher,  Thomas  B. 
Farquar,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.  Charles  R.  Pratt,  David  M.  Patten,  Rob- 
ert B.  Cunningham  and  Joseph  W.  Gaston,  at  Lavergne,  Tcnn. 
George  Miranda,  Aug.  26th,  1864,  and  Nels  Truelson,  May  31st,  1865, 
at  Quincy,  111.  Obed  Brobest,  at  Jeffersonville,  Ind.  Harvey  Owens, 
at  Louisville,  Ky.  Charles  H.  Gordon,  at  Springfield,  111.,  July  5th, 
1864.  Samuel  H.  Matthews,  at  X.  Y.  City,  May  1865. 

TBAN8FBBEED. 

Capt.  L.  D.  .Shinn,  by  promotion,  to  position  of  Major.  Lieut. 
John  Thomas,  to  Vet.  Vol.  Eng.  Corps.  Corporal  John  B.  Shaw,  to 
Xon.  Com.  Staff,  as  Hospital  Steward.  Andrew  J.  Bergquist,  to  Vet. 
Vol.  Eng.  Corps.  James  Catterton,  to  Vet.  Reserve  Corps. 

DESERTED. 

Richard  F.  Hammond,  at  Knoxville,  Sept.  17th  1862.  Nathan  B. 
Coakley,  Oct  28th,  1862,  at  Bardstown,  Ky.  Daniel  J.  Farster,  Win. 
W.  Farster,  Joseph  A.  Light,  in  1863,  while  at  home  on  furlough. 


XX  Al'PKMHX. 


ROLL  OF  COMPANY    "  1." 

LIST  OK  ORIGINAL  MKMBKItS  DISCIIAROI)  WITH  THK  UKCI.MKXT. 

Brevet  Major,  Edwin  II.  Conger,  Galesburg,  111. 

1st  Lieut.  Daniel  W.  Sheahan,  Galva,  111. 

1st  Serg't  Reuben  F.  Beals,  Oneida,  111 — wounded  at  Golgotha  Church. 

Serg't  Geo.  W.  Hall, 

u      William  H.  Brown,        "         "  wounded  at  Averysboro,  March 

16th. 
"      Peter  McCormack,        "        "  wounded  near  Atlanta, 

John  W.  Brinkcrhon",  Hackcnsaek,  N.  .1. 

Corporal  Myrenu  Loomis,    Galesburg,   111 — wounded   near   Kenesaw 
Mountain. 

Eli  S.  Kicker,  Oucida,  III. 
"       John  A.  Bulkelev,  "      " 
"        James  H.  Millen,  Aliingdon.  111. 
"        Silas  A.  Duntley,  Oneida,  111 — wounded  at  Averysboro. 

John  Whannell,         t'         u  wounded  at  Resaca. 
"        Edwin  J.  Calkins,       "         " 

Amos  H.  Reynolds,    " 

Uodney  M.  Willis,  Musician,  Galcsburg,  111. 
John  Doyle,  Wagoner,  Woodhull.  111. 

PRIVATES. 

James  F.  Buunell,  Hannah  Station,  Ind. 
David  Billington,  Oneida,  111. 
Taylor  D.  Blakley,  Yates  City,  111. 
James  R.  Chapman,  Big  Rock,  Iowa. 
Geo.  F.  Duntley,  Oneida,  111. 

James  H.  Davie,  Knoxville,  111 — woundedAug.  8th,  near  Atlanta. 
Thomas  Y.  Finley,  Oneida,  111. 
John  S.  Fuller, 
Nathan  II.  Gallant,      " 

John  Goodheart,  "  wounded  at  Resaca. 

Douglas  Howey,  Walnut  Grove,  111 — wounded  near  Kenesaw  Moun- 
tain. 

Wcymouth  Hadley,  Oneida,  111. 

Emery  C.  Humphrey,  Wataga,  111 — wounded  at  Averysboro. 
Oloff  Hanson,  Wataga,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
Wesley  L.  Kenncy,  Oneida,  III. 
Ezra  Lee,  Centre  "Point,  111. 

William  I).  Lee,         "       >l  wounded  at  Resaca,  14th. 
William  H.  Merriatt,  Virginia  City,  Cal — wounded  at  Golgotha  Church. 
James  McKown,  Wralnut  Grove,  111. 
James  B.  McConchie,  Oneida,  111. 
William  Mills,  Abingdon,  111. 
William  Main,  Oneida,  111. 

Jesse  McQuade,     "         "  wounded  in  South  Carolina,  Feb.  28th,  1865. 
Thomas  Milsom,     "         " 
Rufus  H.  Moore,  Galesburg,  111. 

"   wounded  at  Resaca. 


APPENDIX.  XXI 

John  H.  Ost-om,  Woodhull,  111. 

Pluramer  F.  Pierce,  Oneida,  111. 

James  Powell,  Woodhull,  111. 

Oliver  F.  Pierce,  Walnut  Grove,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca,  L4th. 

Charles  H.  Robertson,  Oneida,  111. 

AVilliam  I.  Reed,  "         "  captured  near  Louisville,  Ga. 

James  M.  Ralston,  "         " 

Theodore  M.  Rikert, 

Alfred  D.  Richards,  Knoxville,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

Albert  R.  Riley,  Galesburg,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

Simon  Stone,  Oneida,  111. 

ENLISTED    SUBSEQUENT   TO  ORGANIZATION  OF  REGIMENT. 

Joseph  Kilpatrick,  Oneida,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
Peter  Olson,  Oneida,  111. 

RESIGNED. 

Capt.  Geo.  H.  King,  at  Lavergne,  Tenn.  2d  Lieut.  J.  L.  Bonnell, 
at  Lavergne,  Tenn. 

DIED. 

Robert  Watson,  Nov.  15th,  1862,  at  Frankfort,  Ky.,  of  disease. 
William  Kenney,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  Feb.  22d,  1863.  John  N. 
Ralston,  of  disease,  at  Gallatin,  May  23d,  1863.  Harvey  L.  Aiken, 
of  disease,  at  Stewarts  Creek,  June  22d,  1863.  Corporal  William 
Reynolds,  killed  at  Resaca.  Corporal  Edward  A.  Aiken,  killed  at 
Resaca.  Corporal  John  Watson,  killed  at  Resaca.  Corporal  Wni. 
Olson,  of  wounds  received  near  Goldsboro,  March  16th,  1865. 
Corporal  Cornelius  Lott,  killed  at  Averysboro.  Herman  Swanson, 
June  20th,  1864,  of  wounds  received  at  Resaca. 

DISCHARGED. 

Oliver  E.  Blossom,  Chas.  Moore,  M.  G.  Waldron,  Alex.  M.  Sweet, 
Samuel  McConchie,  St.  Clair  Powell  and  Rufus  B.  Harmon,  at  Galla- 
tin, Tenn.  Nels  Olson,  Oct.  1863.  Geo.  Murray,  Oct.  1864,  Serenus 
C.  Amend,  May  20th,  1865,  James  Reed  and  Phillip  Humphrey,  Jan. 
22d,  1863.  Andrew  Brodinc,  Jan.  14th,  1865. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Serg't  M.  L.  Courtney,  by  promotion  to  position  of  2d  Lieut,  in 
Co.  A.  Serg't  Ed.  C.  Courtney,  to  Non.  Com.  Staff.  C.  C.  Fulton, 
to  Co.  A.  Samuel  W.  Walker,  to  Vet.  Vol.  Eng.  Corps.  Win.  T. 
Brennan  and  Wm.  Fuller,  to  Vet.  Reserve  Corps. 

MISSING. 

William  0.  Jones— disappeared  May  16th,  1865,  at  Chancellors- 
ville  battleground  ;  was  probably  killed  by  guerrillas. 


XXII  APPENDIX. 


ROLL  OF  COM  1 'A NY  "K" 

LIST    OF    ORIGINAL    MKMHKR3  DISCHARGED    WITH    THK    KKGIMKNT. 

Capt  Jam ea  Y.  Merritt,  Xew  Boston,  Ill-wounded  at  Averysboro,  N.  < '. 
1st  Lieut.  J.  E.  Harroun,  Aledo,  111. 
1st  Serg't  William  Winders,   Aledo,  111. 
Serg't  Alexander  Carnahan,       "         " 
"      Aaron  R.  Purdam,  Xew  Boston,  111. 
"      Leander  Officer,  Pre-emption,  111. 

"      Ambrose  H.  Rowe-,  Millersburg,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
Corporal  Peter  Griffith,  Pre-emption,  111. 
Benj.  F.  H.  Reynolds,  Aledo,  111. 
Reuben  Shields,  High  Point,  111. 
•las.  E.  Gilmore,  Aledo,  111. 

Madison  A.  Retherford,  Ferdinand,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 
Xelson  Taylor,  Millersburg,  111. 
Jacob  A.  Reed,  Eliza,  III. 
'       James  Kiddoo,  Keithsburg,  111. 

PRIVATES. 

Theophilus  L.  Ashbaugh,  Aledo,  111. 

.lames  L.  Brewer,  Eli/a,  111. 

Thomas  J.  Bevorlin,  "        " 

James  X.  Barlett,      "        " 

James  Clark,  Aledo,  111 — wounded  near  Atlanta. 

William' Carr,  Eliza,  111. 

Eugene  Davis,  Aledo,  111. 

Henry  F.  Eudicott,  Xew  Boston,  111. 

Ezra  Fuller,  Eliza,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

Harvey  J.  Fisher,  Eli/a,  111 — wounded  at  Averyshoro. 

Elijah  Gardener,  Duncan,  111. 

Edwin  Gilmore,  Aledo,  111. 

Alexander  F.  Graham,  "     " 

Joel  Hill,  Oxford,*!!! — wounded  near  Kenesaw  Mountain. 

John  Ilaverfield,  Millersburg,  111. 

Jacob  W.  Kelley,  Aledo,  111 — wounded  at  Xew  Hope,  Church. 

.James  Mays,  Millersburg,  111. 

Oliver  Mavs,  "  " 

David  W.  McKee,  Aledo,  111. 

<;«•„.  H.  Mills, 

Daniel  McEowen,      "         "  captured  at  Goldsboro — exchanged. 

John  A.  Ramsey,       "         " 

.Joshua  Spicher,"  Eliza,  111. 

John  J.  Swart/,  Aledo,  111 — wounded  at  Resaca. 

William  Sabins,  Xew  Boston,  111. 

.lames  M.  Shinglcdecker,  Millersburg,  111. 

Isaac  Thompson,  Xew  Boston,  111. 

William  Valentine,  Aledo,  111. 

.James  R.  Wood,  Eliza,  111. 

Laughlin  H.  Woodward    Xew  Boston,  111. 

Philip  Walston,  Duncan,  111. 


APPENDIX.  XXIII 

William  H.  Woodward,  Aledo,  111. 

Henry  R.  Wells,  "    wounded   at  Ivesaea  and  again  at 

Ln \vton ville,  S.  C. 
Lewis  Welty,  New  Boston,  111. 
Chester  S.  Will  its,  Duncan,  111. 

KNL1STED  SUBSEQUENT  TO  ORGANIZATION  OF  REGIMENT. 

Arthur  R.  Agy,  New  Boston,  111 — wounded  at  Averysboro. 

Robert  Boyle,  Millersburg,  111. 

Melville  Danford,  Xew  Boston,  111. 

William  Danford, 

Pyrrhus  Glaucy, 

Sylvanus  Hersom, 

Isaac  Spicher, 

John  C.  Summers,  Millersburg,  111. 

Perry  Thompson,  New  Boston,  111. 

RESIGNED. 

Capt.  Sanderson  H.  Rodgers,  at  Gallatin,  Tenn.  Capt.  Wm.  A. 
Wilson,  Oct.  26th,  1864.  2d  Lieut.,  Van  Willits,  Nov.  17th,  1862. 
2d  Lieut.  Samuel  E.  Willits,  Jan.  21st  1865. 

DIED. 

Corporal  Allen  Wilson,  of  disease,  March  3d,  1862.  Corporal 
Waters  P.  Willit,  killed  at  Resaca.  Corporal  Isaac  N.  Stevenson, 
killed  at  New  Hope  Church.  Michael  Bryant,  of  disease,  Dec.  16th, 
1862.  Geo.  W.  Barlett,  May  18th,  1864,  of  wounds  received  at 
Resaca.  Abram  Fuller,  Feb.  8th,  1803.  James  P.  Collier,  of  dis- 
ease, Dec.  4th,  1862.  Madison  Dagger,  Feb.  23d,  1863,  of  disease. 
Thomas  H.  Hand,  of  disease,  March  12th,  1863.  James  P.  Hampton, 
of  disease,  June  10th,  18(53.  Samuel  I).  Hutchinson,  killed  at 
Averysboro,  N.  C.  William  H.  Hampton,  March  23d,  1865,  of 
wounds  received  near  Bentonville.  Albert  Kiddoo,  Nov.  10th,  1864, 
of  wounds  received  July  20th,  1864,  at  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Peter 
<).  Pierce,  May  17th,  1864,  of  wounds  received  at  Resaca.  Jacob 
Shields,  of  disease,  Jan.  16th,  1863.  Noah  Spicher,  of  disease,  Oct. 
17th,  1863.  Marvin  R.  Wright,  of  disease,  Feb.  3d,  1863.  Moses 
White,  jr.,  killed  at  Resaca. 

DISCHARGED. 

Serg't  John  M.  Miller,  Jan.  loth,  1862.  1st  Serg't  John  (i. 
McGuffin,  Oct.  1864.  Serg't  L.  V.  Willits,  Feb.  20th,  1864,  on 
account  of  wounds  received  near  Chattanooga.  Serg't  Jesse  E. 
Huston,  Dec.  21st,  1862,  to  accept  Com.  as  Chaplain.  Corporal  Eli 
Cook,  Jan.  13th,  1863.  Edwin  R.  Dulin,  Jan.  13th,  1863.  Otis  Albce, 
March  29th,  1865,  was  wounded  at  Resaca,  May  15th,  1864.  Francis 
M.  Beverlin,  Jan.  15th,  1863.  James  H.  Crane  and  John  Downing, 
Jan.  1863.  Robert  H.  Day,  Jan.  13th,  1863.  Joseph  J.  Delebar, 
Jan.  13th,  1863.  Henry  f.  Davis,  Jan.  1864.  David  H.  Edgar,  An- 
drew J.  Foote,  Robert  N.  Gilmore,  Daniel  Knapp,  John  Kiddoo,  John 
H.  Murfin,  James  Mclntyrc,  during  month  of  Jan.  1863.  Franklin 


XXIV  APPENDIX. 

Ferguson  and  Samuel  M.  Smith,  March,  1868.  Dcwit  C,  Updike  and 
James  M.  Wilson,  Feb.,  1863.  John  J.  Meyers,  jApril,  1865,  on 
account  of  wounds  recievcd  near  Keneraw  Mountain.  Levi  Walston, 
March,  1864. 

TRANSFERRED. 

Walter  Smethers,  Geo»  Braucht,  Henry  Smethers  and  Abraham 
Spicher,  to  Vet.  Vol.  Eng.  Corps,  Aug.,'l864.  Eli  C.  Crossley,  to 
Miss.  Marine  Brigade,  Jan.,  1863. 

NOTE: — When  the  Regiment  was  discharged  the  "Recruits"  were  transferred 
to  the  16th  111.  Vet.  Vol. 


DIVERSITY  OF  ILLIHOI8-URBANA 


